AFA Debrief: November 02, 2023

Date: November 2, 2023

AFA Debrief – November 2, 2023

• 2024 Active Employee Benefits Open Enrollment
• AFA Celebrates Native American Heritage Month (AFA-CWA)
• Daylight Saving Fall Back
• Virtual Skin Cancer Screenings for Flight Attendants – Skin IO™
• Election Reminder – November 7, 2023
• AFA Welcomes Class 2336

2024 Active Employee Benefits Open Enrollment

Annual Open Enrollment for Active Employees began on October 30, 2023, and will run through November 17, 2023. Visit Now Boarding Benefits to learn about the full suite of benefits options offered through the four types of health plans available and which of these plan types best suit your needs and those of your family:

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
• Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) with a Health Savings Plan (HSA)
• Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
• Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).

Consider the difference in the benefits of a Health Savings Plan versus a Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, keeping in mind the limited use of the Healthcare FSA when you elect a plan with an HSA.

The tools available create an opportunity to compare the plans and the total cost of benefits. Take the time to ensure your healthcare provider will remain in the network you have selected for next year.

This year’s Annual Open Enrollment contains no changes to the plan designs of the various offerings. Aetna or Blue Cross/Blue Shield will remain as the administrators in various parts of the country as determined by the company based on certain financial metrics. Assuming you are making no changes to your coverage, if your current carrier and plan for Texas is Aetna, Aetna will remain your provider for the next calendar year.

If you are currently enrolled for 2023 benefits and do not make an election for 2024, consistent with the terms of Section 29.B.3. of our Contract, you will default to current coverage. Remember, you must actively designate Health or Dependent Care FSA contributions each year, as there is no default option for these. 

In conjunction with Your Benefits Resources (YBR) or the Alight mobile App, you have multiple opportunities to make your 2024 benefit elections.

Finally, check out Wayfinder Wellness - a one-stop shop for physical, emotional, and financial wellness benefits that are strictly confidential and not shared with United. The options available at Wayfinder are many and enhance the negotiated benefits required under our Contract. Now is the time to act! Don’t miss this opportunity to plan for your future.

AFA Celebrates Native American Heritage Month (AFA-CWA)

November marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of the histories, cultures, contributions, and achievements of Native Americans to the United States.

In 2021, the AFA Executive Board passed a resolution establishing our Heritage Month program and pin, recognizing Native American Flight Attendants and their contributions and influence to the history, culture, and achievements of the U.S. Friday, November 24th, is Native American Heritage Day.

We have grounded our Diversity and Inclusion pins around color and symbols. This pin includes the Native American sun symbol in gold surrounded by the color blue to represent where Flight Attendants spend our time -- in the sky.

The Native American pins should be in all bases by mid-November.

The AFA Human Rights Committee is actively looking at additional diversity and inclusion pins to recognize the full diversity of our Flight Attendants.

Resolution

Daylight Saving Fall Back

As we enter the month of November, we prepare for the end of daylight saving time across most of the United States. On Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2 a.m., we will “fall back” one hour and return to Standard Time.

This time change will result in a “longer night” on Sunday as we gain an hour of additional rest. For those who will be in the operation or beginning their trips, take a moment to review your schedule to ensure that you have the most accurate flight information, and don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you turn in on Saturday night!

*Hawaii and Arizona do not observe daylight saving time

Virtual Skin Cancer Screenings for Flight Attendants – Skin IO™

MEC Benefits Committee

Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States and is the highest diagnosed cancer at United.

 It is the most preventable and treatable when found early 

• 99% survival rate when found in stages 0 and 1 
• Regrettably, survival rates when found in later stages drop to 30% 

Given these statistics, the value of this free service becomes clear. Check out the free service, and your skin, at home for free with Skin IO.

If you’ve got a spot that needs a look, use the following QR code and the custom code UNITED26 to enroll by downloading the Skin IO app.

It should be noted that for our Members at International bases, the Skin IO application cannot be made available outside the United States for regulatory reasons. International Flight Attendants may visit one of the Premise Clinic (EWR, IAH or ORD) they can get a screening there.

Be assured, your MEC Benefits Committee continues discussions with the company to identify alternatives for these Members. As additional information becomes available, we will be sure to share that with you.

Election Reminder – November 7, 2023

Early voting is underway in many jurisdictions, as this coming Tuesday, November 7, 2023 is Election Day across the United States.

Although this is an off-cycle year, many important local and statewide elections are still taking place, along with various significant ballot initiatives. Often, the outcome of a local race hinges on a very small number of participating constituents.

As always, you can check your registration status, polling locations, and more at https://www.vote.org

AFA Welcomes Class 2336

On behalf of our Union, we extend a warm welcome to the newest Members of our Flight Attendant family! 

We are thrilled to have new flying partners on board, and we look forward to helping them as they begin this incredible career. Our new Flight Attendants will be based at our domiciles in DEN, EWR, and ORD.

We firmly believe that they will enhance our profession with their unique talents and abilities, further strengthening our profession.

Please remember that these Flight Attendants are on probation. To ensure that they receive the most accurate information to support them, direct them to their AFA Local Council for assistance on Contractual issues.

If you are interested in supporting our newest Members, reach out to your local council to see how you can be a part of shaping their early careers as an AFA volunteer!

Reminders:

NOV - Native American Heritage Month

NOV 4 – First Round of 2024 Vacation Awards Published

NOV 5 – Daylight Saving Time 2023 Ends in the U.S.

NOV 8 – Second Round of 2024 Vacation Bidding Opens

NOV 16 – Second Round of 2024 Vacation Bidding Closes (0800 HDT)

NOV 17 – 2024 Annual Benefits Enrollment Closes

NOV 20 – Second Round of 2024 Vacation Awards Published

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