6.07.13 – (LAA) – TSA Abandons Plan to Allow Knives on Board Airplanes, Bankruptcy News, Grace Period for Filing 2012 Healthcare FSA Claims, Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and Special Board Meeting, 265, Senator Frank Lautenberg

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Coalition, it was clear leading up to the vote that the amendment would pass and eventually force the TSA to keep knives on the prohibited items list. The TSA decided to make the right decision on its own and we commend the Administrator for doing so. APFA strongly supports risk-based security and the mission of TSA to keep passengers and flight crews safe. Our team is looking forward to working closely with Administrator Pistole and his deputies on other important issues in the future.

Bankruptcy News
Today, Judge Sean Lane who is presiding over AMR’s bankruptcy case set the following milestone deadlines :
June 20 – Deadline for AA to mail POR and disclosure statement to stakeholders
July 29 – Deadline for stakeholders to vote on POR
July 30 – Deadline for objections
August 8 – Deadline for AMR, American Airlines, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors and the Ad Hoc Committee of AMR Corporation Creditors to respond to objections.
August 15 – Hearing to confirm the POR (provided it receives sufficient support from stakeholders)
At this rate, it is possible that we could see AA’s exit from bankruptcy and subsequent merger with US Airways by the end of August.

Grace Period for Filing 2012 Healthcare FSA Claims
FAs have one more week to access any remaining funds in your 2012 Healthcare Flex Spending Account (FSA). Any unfiled claims for eligible expenses dated January 1, 2012, to March 15, 2013, can be applied to your unused 2012 FSA balance. The filing deadline for 2012 eligible expenses is June 15, 2013. To submit your expenses visit PayFlex on the Benefits page of Jetnet or call them at 1-800-284-4885.

Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting and Special Board Meeting
The APFA Executive Committee (EC) will be held in Dallas on Thursday June 19, 2013, for the 1Q 2013. Immediately following the EC meeting, the APFA Board of Directors will convene for a special meeting. Members in good standing are welcome to attend the open portions of the meetings. Visit www.apfa.org for more information.

265
Over the past seven days, our in-house contract and scheduling representatives fielded 265 calls from AA FAs across the system. If you have a question about the contract or a scheduling issue you are unable to resolve, call HQ at 817-540-0108 and follow the prompts to reach a representative. They are available between 9-5 Central Time, five days a week.

Senator Frank Lautenberg
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), who was the oldest member of the Senate and the last remaining WWII veteran in the chamber, passed away this week. Sen. Lautenberg co-sponsored the law banning smoking on board planes, raised the legal age of drinking to 21 in all 50 states, and, in one of his last acts in office, co-sponsored legislation that would uphold the ban against knives on our aircraft. His tenacity, determination, and passion for protecting the health and welfare of American citizens will be missed.