3.19.26 – APFA ORD Base Brief – March 2026 Mid-Month ORD Update

March 2026 Mid-Month ORD Update

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Happy March, Chicago.

The past several weeks—since late January—have been a whirlwind of IROPs, updates, and company communications. Throughout it all, APFA has been working tirelessly to advocate for Chicago and to ensure every member is treated with the respect and professionalism we deserve. Now more than ever, it’s critical that management hears directly from all of us.

If you have a question, ask your manager. We were told the recent restructure would create true “experts at base”—now is the time to hold them to that standard.

If you have concerns about hotel accommodations, be sure to file a CERS report and email [email protected]. Copy APFA and your managers so your concerns are clearly heard and documented.

When catering issues arise, report them to management.

We must continue to speak up about what we are experiencing day to day. Too often, K19 is unstaffed or minimally staffed. Resources won’t be allocated unless they are actively needed—so use them. Let your employer support you. They have an obligation to do so.

---

ORD Base Town Hall

Last month, we announced a virtual Town Hall, and we look forward to connecting with you tomorrow, Friday, March 20, at 1200 (CT). The meeting link is provided below.

This Town Hall will be an opportunity to discuss the most pressing issues currently impacting our base, provide updates on ongoing concerns, and share the latest information we have from the Company. We will also dedicate time to answering your questions and hearing directly from you about the challenges you are facing.

For those unable to attend live, the session will be recorded and posted on the APFA ORD Base Page for later viewing.

Click here to join on March 20 at 1200.

---

LHR Catering
On February 28, we were notified that flights to and from London would be double catered due to issues with our London supplier. This impacted all bases—not just Chicago. APFA immediately began communicating with crews to understand how these flights were handled in real time.

APFA Chicago shared every crew suggestion on how to improve this catering situation. Chicago, along with other bases, continues to engage with the Company to pursue additional compensation for the last-minute burden placed on crews.

---

Continued IROP
This weekend there was yet another meltdown in our operation. If you cannot get through to the appropriate departments and need assistance, make sure you save the daily ops.

Daily Ops phone number: 682-315-7070
Daily Ops email: [email protected]

APFA has resources available for many frequently asked questions, please save these links for when IROPS strike again: APFA Rescheduling Reminders

---

Voluntary Extension

If you are experiencing a delay and closing in on your duty limitation, be sure to contact crew tracking while the door is open. In ECS, there is a form for VE Interest; however, it is NOT the same as being offered and accepting VE.

Domestic VE: CBA 11.O – Voluntary Waiver of Flight Duty Limitations

International VE: CBA 14.D. – International Duty Time Limitations

If tracking sends you a VE interest form, you will be able to select “Yes” if you are interested or “no” if you are not. Again, this is not an official nor biding offer of VE, only gauging interest for coverage purposes. When someone simply fills out a VE interest form, it is not the same as a conversation with crew tracking.

If you are illegal and the form has not been acknowledged, communicate with the cockpit and ensure you speak with tracking to discuss legalities.

The latest CIC hotline regarding VE can be found here: VE Hotline

---

De-Icing/Ready For Departure (RFD) – CBA 3.M 

If you experienced a flight that you feel is missing pay due to de-icing or a similar situation, the first step would be to contact your Senior Crew Manager. There is not a direct connect option for this; they will contact and follow up with the Flight Department to review the situation.

Feel free to CC APFA on this correspondence so we can monitor their responses.

---

Reserve Resources

If you are on Reserve, or notice someone is on Reserve, or better yet on probation, be sure to show them what resources are available to help with the many reserve questions they might have.

The APFA website has a handful of reserve resources available to help learn about the systems we all have come to learn inside and out.

• APFA Reserve Resources
• ORD APFA Reserve Bidding Basics Video

---

Workplace Reporting – American Airlines Accountability

Reporting workplace issues to the appropriate federal agencies is important because it helps ensure that employee rights and workplace laws are upheld. Federal agencies such as the US Department of Labor and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission exist to investigate violations of enforced labor protections and hold employers accountable when standards are not met.

Employees have the right to report concerns such as discrimination, unsafe conditions and retaliation, without fear of punishment.

Exercising this right not only protects the individual employee but also helps prevent ongoing violations.

We know American Airlines continues to discipline and conduct more and more meetings. If you experience anything that should be reported to the appropriate governing body, help bring forward issues.

If your issue involves FMLA being handled incorrectly, and you are being punished with their favorite thing, points, please file a complaint with the DOL.

Safe Travels!

In Solidarity,

Justin Patterson
APFA ORD Base President
ORD Base Number: (773) 645-0809
Cell: (509) 720-0067
[email protected]

Dray Howard
APFA ORD Base Vice President
ORD Base Number: (773) 645-0809
Cell: (630) 215-8410
[email protected]