Leaves / Attendance
Unpaid Leave of Absence Chart
| Type of Leave | Occupational Seniority (bidding) | Class/Longevity Seniority (pay & vc) | Company Seniority (retirement) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Leave | Yes (duration) | Yes (30 days) | Yes (duration) | Yes, if available for 15 days | Full rates for duration * | Full rates * | No * | Not to exceed 180 days, but may be extended upon approval |
| Voluntary Leave of Absence (Bid Leave) | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | Duration | Active rates for duration | Active rates for duration | Yes | Up to 1 bid period; can be consecutive |
| Leave in Lieu of Furlough | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | If available for 15 days | In accordance with Company policy * | In accordance with Company policy * | Yes | Varies |
| Educational | Yes (duration) | Yes (30 days) | Yes (duration) | If available for 15 days | Full rates for duration * | Full rate conversion * | No * | Varies |
| Unpaid Medical / MedicalMaternity / Injury | Yes (duration) | Yes (30 days) | Yes (duration) | If available for 15 days | Active rates up to 12 months from unpaid, then COBRA * | Active rates up to 12 months from unpaid, then full rate conversion * | No Exception: Travel is permitted during maternity leave * | As medically required; 5 year maximum3 |
| Unpaid FMLA | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | If available for 15 days | Active rates for duration | Active rates for duration | Yes if Block FML is aproved or runs concurrent with absence * | Up to 12 weeks |
| Unpaid IOD | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | Yes, if available for 15 days | Yes, active rates (up to 12 months from unpaid, then COBRA)* | Yes, active rates up to 12 months from unpaid, then full rate conversion* | No,* w/exception (see unpaid FMLA) | As medically required; 5 year maximum |
| Personal Maternity (JCBA Section 25.G) Paternity, Adoption | Yes (duration) | Yes (30 days) | Yes (duration) | If available for 15 days | Full rates for duration * | Full rates * | Yes * | 180 day max from date of birth or placement of baby for adoption |
| Union Leave | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | If available for 15 days | Active rates for duration * | Active rates for duration * | Yes * | Varies |
| Military | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | Yes (duration) | If available for 15 days ** | Active rates for duration ** | Active rates for duration ** | Yes * | 5 years, but may be extended in accordance with USERA |
Notes
1 To accrue sick and vacation, a FA must also meet personal threshold requirement for active months (if available for 15 days) - (LAA only until PBS)
2 Full rates are the same as active rates for all fully employee funded plans (Vision, STD/LTD, Vol Life, Vol VPAI)
3 Please see CBA Section 25.E.5-6 for additional information
Full rates = Full cost of coverage including the employee and employer contributions
Active rates = Both the Company and the employee pay the same portions of the premiums as if the employee were on active payroll
* Subject to change based on Company policy
**No less than provided for under USERAIf leaves are consecutive (no paid status between leaves), with the exception of VLOA's, the benefit period begins on the first day of the first leave
Hotlines
3.17.26 – FMLA Recertification
Beginning February 1st, 2025, the company changed their Intermittent FMLA recertification process to require updated medical support every six months. With this change, we’ve seen a recurrence of Flight Attendants missing requests for updated medical support
2.05.26 – FMLA: 33 Years of Access to Worker Health Protections
Today, we commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the passage of FMLA. This landmark law has protected Workers’ rights to take time off for family and medical reasons without risking their jobs or health insurance.
2.27.25 – Contract Implementation Update #15: Thursday, February 27, 2025
The company has provided notice to APFA and our membership that effective May 1st, 2025, they are exercising the option provided in 11.M of the CBA to increase domestic boarding times by five (5) minutes.
12.27.23 – Maternity Leave: What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Being familiar with your rights and responsibilities during a Maternity Leave of Absence is important. Understanding the structure of the leave will help you better navigate your time before and after birth.
2.24.23 – Celebrating 30 Years of the Family and Medical Leave Act
February marks the 30th anniversary of the job-protected Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). At its conception, Flight Crews were not eligible because our work hours did not fall under the definition of “hours worked” under the FLSA, making us unable to satisfy the 1,250-hour requirement.
12.08.22 – FMLA Caregiver Presidential Grievance Settlement
As previously reported, the APFA SBA Department prepared for the FMLA Caregiver Presidential Grievance scheduled for December 6, 2022. After numerous discussions, the parties were able to settle.
7.15.22 – Updated Maternity Leave Information
Friday, July 15, 2022 Updated Maternity Leave Information We are happy to announce that our continuous meetings with management have resulted in an overhaul of the maternity leave information. The New…
7.15.21 – All EVLOAs to be Cancelled in November and December
Thursday, July 15, 2021 All EVLOAs to be Cancelled in November and December Due to an anticipated increase in flying later this year, the Company has made the decision to recall all…
The company has provided notice to APFA and our membership that effective May 1st, 2025, they are exercising the option provided in 11.M of the CBA to increase domestic boarding times by five (5) minutes.
Thursday, July 15, 2021 All EVLOAs to be Cancelled in November and December Due to an anticipated increase in flying later this year, the Company has made the decision to recall all Flight Attendants currently on an…
Thursday, September 10, 2020 October VLOA Bidding & October LRD Close Tomorrow Bidding for the October unpaid Voluntary Leave of Absence (VLOA) (JCBA Section 25.B.) will close tomorrow, Friday, September 11th at 1200 (CDT). You may access the ballot via…
APFA Headquarters
1004 West Euless Boulevard
Euless, Texas 76040
M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
Contract & Scheduling Desk
M-Th: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
Live Chat Messaging
Fridays: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Currently, no scheduled events...
APFA Headquarters
1004 West Euless Boulevard
Euless, Texas 76040
M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
Contract & Scheduling Desk
M-Th: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
Live Chat Messaging
Fridays: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Currently, no scheduled events...
APFA Headquarters
1004 West Euless Boulevard
Euless, Texas 76040
M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
Contract & Scheduling Desk
M-Th: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
Live Chat Messaging
Fridays: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Currently, no scheduled events...