4.03.26 – APFA ORD Base Brief – May 2026 Staffing and Allocations

May 2026 ORD Staffing and Allocations

Friday, April 3, 2026

Happy April, Chicago.

There continues to be IROPS where the company is taking longer than acceptable to help people. If you experience these issues, please continue to document and escalate as needed. Management is here to support us; they should respond and help accordingly.

Earlier today, APFA Base Representatives participated in the monthly Staffing & Allocations call with the Company. During this call, we reviewed current staffing levels, allocations, and operational planning for the upcoming bid period. Below is a recap of key points and relevant information discussed during that call.

---

Important Dates

• May Bid Month: May 2 – June 1
• Cinco De Mayo – Tuesday, May 5
• Mother’s Day – Sunday, May 10
• Memorial Day – Monday, May 25

---

First Quarter Web-Based Training (WBT)

The first quarter WBT is due by April 10, 2026. This company continues to apply discipline to every aspect of the job. Don’t give them a reason to reach out regarding the WBT in the learning hub.

The “Service and Technology” section refers to the retrofit of A319 aircraft and all the changes it comes with. The WBT conveniently doesn’t mention that the jumpseat is attached to the AFT bathroom door. If you find yourself on one of these retrofitted aircraft, be sure to review your tablet.

If you have issues loading training be sure to reach out to one of your managers for assistance; all 3 are listed in crew portal when you click your profile in the top right.

---

ORD Base Town Hall

On March 20th, ORD APFA hosted a virtual townhall to discuss a variety of topics.

View Here!

---

ORD Base New Hire Town Hall

On April 24 at 1200 (noon), ORD APFA will host a virtual town hall specifically designed for our newest Flight Attendants currently on probation.

This session will focus on reinforcing key foundational information, checking in on how things are going, and addressing some of the most common questions and challenges faced during the probationary period.

A link to join the virtual town hall will be distributed in advance of the meeting. The session will also be recorded, and a recording link will be shared afterward for those unable to attend live.

---

Allocations

The amount of On-Duty All-Nighters (ODANs) remain consistent from last month.

At this time, there are no additional significant changes to report.

---

Staffing

May has a higher expected line average than we have seen in the past several months, due to the summer uptick in flying. Be sure to take the TCR into account when bidding to try to get the best possible PBS bid.

Chicago has seen a steady stream of new hires sent to base, which helps our reserve numbers. Please continue to welcome our 2026 new hires and help them as they start their career.

MSP hours are at 1,425.

---

Daily Departures

---

Sequence Distribution

• 1-day: 27% in May vs 29% in April
• 2-day: 20% in May vs 22% in April
• 3-day: 50% in May vs 46% in April
• 4-day: 3% in May vs 3% in April
• ODAN Starts per day: 10.7 in May vs 10.0 in April
• 24% of flying is widebody.

---

PBS Preliminary Manning Plan

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]