8.10.20 – Face Covering Policy / Face Shields / COVID-19 Folder In Comply365 / Training Support Via Comply365

Monday, August 10, 2020

Face Coverings Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19

• All American Airlines employees are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times while at work. Face Coverings (Masks) are mandatory for all employees.
• Face Covering Policy

 

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FAA Approves use of Face Shields –
Stricter Face-Covering (Mask) Requirements

• Flight Attendants can wear face shields in addition to a face covering.
• Face coverings continue to be required and are now considered an essential function for employees while at work. You may wear both, but a face shield cannot be worn in place of a face covering.

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COVID-19 Folder Now in Comply365

Now available in Comply365, the COVID-19 folder is the single source for Information for Flight Attendants for all COVID-19 related issues. Please make sure to utilize this valuable resource.

• Current COVID-19 information and updates.
• Jetnet COVID-19 pages will mirror to streamline information.

 

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Training Notification and Support via Comply365

Step 1: Access Forms from Comply on Tablet

In an attempt to reduce call volume and wait times calling the Training Support Desk, Flight Attendants are highly encouraged to use the Comply365 function to extend qualifications, preference training dates and times, buddy bid, and submit training travel. The submitter should allow a minimum of 24 Hrs before receiving a response or confirmation.

Step 2: Access the “AAFA>Training.”
Training Enrollment Request Form 

Step 3: Basic Information 

• FA Last Name: Populates with tablet owner’s last name.
• FA Employee #: Populates with tablet owner’s employee number.
• FA Base: Populates with tablet owner’s base.
• Email Address: Populates with tablet owner’s AA email address
• Date Submitted: Calendar drop-down.

 

Step 4: Buddy Bidding

Only used if trying to enroll with a Buddy Bidder

• Buddy Bidder Name: Enter manually
• Buddy Bidder EE#: Enter manually

 

Step 5: Type of Request 

• Change: To request a change in existing enrollment
• Enroll: To request new enrollment

 

Step 6: Current Training Date

• Only to be used for change requests of existing training. If a new request, move to Step 7.
• Enter the date of existing training using a drop-down calendar.

 

Step 7: Preferred Dates

• Enter preferred dates of training in the order of preference using the drop-down calendar (1st being the most preferred).
• Only one date is required, but up to three choices may be entered.

 

Step 8: Preferred Class Times

To be used for CQ classes only. If completing the form for any other training, move to Step 9.

• Enter preferences for each class time with a ranking of 1-3, using drop-down selections. One (1) is most preferred, three (3 ) is least preferred.
• Again, only one preference is necessary, and up to three choices may be entered.

 

Step 9: Electronic Signature

• Sign

Step 10: Submit to the TSD

• You should receive a confirmation and a response from the TSD within 24-48 Hrs.

 

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A321 Seat Blocks

APFA continues to receive reports of A321 seat blocking issues. These concerns were addressed with the Company earlier this week. Two applications are currently utilized by ACS and gate agents to board a flight.

The first application is:

• Gate Reader, which is a boarding and visualization tool for gate agents.
• Gate Reader is used to (visually) verify how many passengers have boarded and how many seats remain open. American blocks seats using a “C” block code.
• Gate Reader is not currently programmed to recognize blocked seats.
• Blocked seats will show as open on Gate Reader, but in the back end system, QIK these seats reflect as blocked.

 

The second application is:

• QIK (or native SABRE), which is where you will see the actual “C” blocked seats. QIK is the program that controls the seat assignments, clearing standbys, etc. Gate agents should not be able to override or unblock “C” blocked seats.
• QIK screen:

 

“C” blocks in both seats 11E and 24B, as indicated by the code “CL.”

Flight Attendants don’t have access to QIK, only the G*M function in the MobileCCI app.
The G*M – Main Cabin, and G*M – Premium Cabin functions can be found in the Passenger section of the Pre-Flight Documents. In this example, the G*M screen reflects seats 11E and 24B with a (.L) notation rather than a CL as in QIK. Once again, the two systems display inconsistent information, only contributing to the confusion and policy ambiguity.

• Flight Service has repeatedly assured APFA, the messaging and communication to Gate Agents and Managers are in harmony with seat block policy and procedures.
• APFA continues to receive reports of agents and managers, giving out incorrect information as policy.
• Flight Attendants do not have access to QIK (thru mobile CCI), making it difficult to advise and reject passengers who move into blocked seats.
• Unfortunately, placing Flight Attendants in a precarious and defensive position to avoid punitive action due to miscommunication and inconsistent data representation.
• G*M – Main Cabin Screen

 

The CL codes not reflected in G*M
Please notify management (and APFA) if you witness or observe seat blocks not being complied with or followed by ground staff.

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FAA Assigned Jumpseat

With the elimination of the 85% load factor cap and the FAA double-jumpseat exemption, it is again required for Flight Attendants to sit in their assigned jumpseat. There is currently no instance (other than mechanical malfunction) where a Flight Attendant would now relocate to a passenger seat.

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Pilots and Mask Compliance

• The FAA only exempts pilots from wearing a face-covering while in the Cockpit due to a FAR 14 CFR § 135.89. Masks are required anytime outside the Cockpit or in view of passengers or while interacting with the crew.
• It is a Company policy and common sense. Wearing a mask protects everyone and mitigates virus transmission. If you have any issues with face-covering non-compliance, don’t escalate the situation – remove yourself and report via an ASAP, a CERS,  or Professional Standards report.
• CERS Report
• ASAP Report
• APFA Professional Standards

 

In Solidarity,

Thomas Houdek
APFA National Safety & Security Chair
[email protected]