As we continue through the merging process with Southwest Airlines, it is evident to all in our workgroup that our Reserve flight attendants are facing the challenge of sitting Reserve longer than any previous group in our history.  As AirTran continues to shrink, this is unlikely to change.  Although there is much that we must continue to focus on throughout this process, improvements for our Reserve flight attendants remain a high priority.

We are pleased to announce a new “Reserve Flexibility Option” will debut on August 1^st.  Your union petitioned, and the Company has agreed, to roll out this simple program on a trial basis. In essence, Reserve flight attendants will have the opportunity to swap/move scheduled Reserve Days based on staffing levels.  We understand this may create circumstances where reserve availability will be further reduced, possibly impacting lineholders’ ability to swap and drop.  For that reason specifically, there are some restrictions to the program – most notably Daily Open Time will now be split into two separate transaction time frames.

There will be no changes to the schedules of 48 Hour Bid, the Secondary Bid, or the “pre-month” Daily Open Time.  However Daily Open Time will open as scheduled on the 26^thof the month for the following month, but will then close at 2159 on the 1^stof the new month.   Lineholders will be the only flight attendants permitted to access Daily Open Time during this time frame.  Daily Open Time will then immediately reopen at 2200 on the 1^st, and all flight attendants including Reserves will have access throughout the month to manipulate their schedules based on staffing levels. 

An e-Doc is now available in FLiCA that offers complete details on the new program, as well as all restrictions, and instructions on how Reserves can participate.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact any Union or Crew Planning leader.