10.28.24 – APFA DCA Base Brief – IAD Parking Tag Permits

IAD Parking Tag Permits

Monday, October 28, 2024

We’ve recently heard from many of you about the challenges surrounding the IAD parking tag process as outlined in our contract. Every Flight Attendant is entitled to a parking permit for all base stations with multiple airports. Our contract clearly states that if insufficient permits exist, they will be issued in seniority order—a process that has been violated.

In early September, the Company sent out CCI messages advising DCA Flight Attendants of the re-issuance of parking permits for the 2024-2025 fiscal year at both Ronald Reagan National (DCA) and Dulles International (IAD) airports, both serviced by MWAA. Earlier in the summer of 2024, BWI tags were issued. Flight Attendants were directed to the MWAA website to request parking tags for DCA, IAD, or both and instructed to complete a form in Comply365. Afterward, there would be a waiting period until American Airlines purchased and distributed the tags; current tags were set to expire at the end of September 2024. Additionally, Flight Attendants were informed that authorities would observe a grace period through October 2024 before issuing parking tickets or citations if the new tags were not visible in their vehicles. No Flight Attendant should have to worry about whether they will be cited due to these delays.

DCA hangtags were available to any requesting Flight Attendant due to the volume of flights at this base, while IAD hangtags were limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who applied but did not receive an IAD tag were given various explanations, including delays in Company approval to purchase additional tags. Although we don’t know the exact number of Flight Attendants who applied or received tags, many have expressed frustration over the wait. Some were told that high costs and eligibility criteria, such as whether they flew out of IAD, were reasons for tag denials. While we’re not suggesting that all Flight Attendants in DCA should receive IAD tags if they didn’t apply for one, we believe that any Flight Attendant requesting should be issued a tag.

Despite contacting our regional director at American Airlines for clarification, we are still waiting for a timely response.

We will allow a limited timeframe for the company to resolve this issue before proceeding with a formal dispute.

Thank you to everyone who shared their experience when going into the inflight office to get your tag.

Flight Attendants were also told to pay to park and file for reimbursement, which is unacceptable on an ongoing basis.

Additionally, we disagree with the restricted hours during which Flight Attendants could pick up DCA and IAD hangtags. Our schedules are not 9-to-5, and limiting access to pick-up hours that align with office schedules contradicts past practices and our work schedules’ nature.

We appreciate your patience and solidarity as we work to resolve this matter.

In Solidarity,

John Pennel
APFA DCA Base President
[email protected]

Dianne Britton
APFA DCA Base Vice President
[email protected]