10.10.25 – APFA LAX Base Brief – Unpaid VLOAs for LAX Only for November 2025

Unpaid VLOAs for LAX Only for November 2025

Friday, October 10, 2025

In accordance with CBA 25.B, full month, unpaid Voluntary Leaves of Absence (VLOAs) are being offered for the November 2025 bid month at LAX only.

Bidding for November 2025 full month, unpaid VLOAs for LAX opens today, Friday, October 10th, at 1200 (CT). The bidding window closes Monday, October 13th at 1200 (CT). You may access the ballot in Comply365 > My Forms > Category: LAX FA > LAX – NOV25 (01NOV-01DEC) FA Voluntary Leave of Absence (VLOA). Flight Attendants awarded a VLOA will receive a CCI message.

The LAX-only November VLOAs will be awarded and published by Monday, October 13th, at 1700 CT.

Important information about the LAX-only November VLOA: 

• VLOAs will be awarded based on your original status in the LRD.
  • If you were showing as a Lineholder in the LRD when it opened on the 3rd, you will be eligible for the LAX-only VLOA as a Lineholder.
    • If you were showing as a Lineholder in the LRD and you toggled to reserve and your status at PBS open shows Reserve, you will be eligible to be awarded the VLOA as a Lineholder.
  • If you were showing as a Reserve in the LRD when it opened on the 3rd, you will be eligible for the LAX-only VLOA as a Reserve.
    • If you were showing as a Reserve in the LRD and you toggled to Lineholder and your status at PBS open shows Lineholder, you will be eligible to be awarded the VLOA as a Reserve.
• VLOAs will be awarded in the following order: 
  • Lineholders in seniority order until all available leaves are granted, or until there are no more requests.
  • If leaves are still available after awarding Lineholders, Reserves will be awarded in seniority order until all remaining leaves have been granted or until there are no more requests.
• Per the CBA, if you are awarded a VLOA as a Reserve, you will NOT receive Reserve credit for the month (CBA 12.A.4.b).
• Since the LAX-only November VLOA award is occurring during the monthly PBS bid process per CBA 25.B.1, it is highly recommended that you input a PBS bid even if you are bidding for the VLOA. 

Additional Information about VLOAs:

• If you are on an absence ending on or after the 1st contractual day of the bid month of the VLOA, or have expired qualifications, you are not eligible for a VLOA.
• You must be eligible to hold a bid award for the bid month. (Absences ending in the month prior to the voluntary leave request month are eligible).
• You will continue to accrue sick and vacation while on VLOA.
• Your health, life and other insurance, as well as non-rev travel benefits continue as though you are active. However, you will not have access to KCM while on VLOA. For questions about benefits and direct billing while on VLOA, reach out to the Benefits Service Center at 888-860-6178.

Can I request a voluntary leave for a different span of days other than the full month option? 
No. Voluntary leaves are only available for a full bid month.

Can I ballot for a VLOA if I have a carry-over trip into a VLOA month? 
Yes. You are eligible for a VLOA even if you have a carry-over trip. If you are awarded a VLOA and you have a carry-over trip, you are responsible for the trip. You may work it or drop it. If you drop the trip, you should submit a form on Crew Portal > Links > Support Tab > FA Manning/Planning > VLOA, so that your VLOA can be adjusted to begin on the 1st day of the bid month.

Is it mandatory to attend CQ Training during my VLOA? 
At your option, you may attend CQ Training in your base month while on VLOA. However, you will be required to attend CQ Training in your grace month.

How will I be paid for the November 2025 LAX-only VLOA?
VLOAs are an unpaid leave of absence (CBA 25.B).

I have vacation in November. What happens to my vacation if I take the LAX-only VLOA? 
Your November vacation days will be paid out.

Can I pick up trips from TTS/UBL/ETB while on VLOA? 
No. This is an unpaid leave of absence, and you will not be able to work while on VLOA.

How can I pay my Union dues if I won’t be receiving a paycheck? 
APFA will send you a bill. It is recommended that you log in to APFA.org to make your payment to avoid receiving an invoice or alert letter.

In Solidarity,

John Nikides
APFA LAX Base President 
[email protected]