Alaska Airlines' Long-Haul Boeing 787 Flights Understaffed, Crews Say

Alaska Airlines' new long-haul Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner routes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are understaffed, according to flight attendants. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) has filed a formal grievance against the airline, accusing management of adding new food and drink options without providing enough staff to deliver them.

The Main Cabin crew is responsible for serving 266 passengers in economy class, but only five or six flight attendants are available to do so. This is because the business class suites require four flight attendants, leaving fewer crew members for the economy cabin.

According to AFA-CWA, this staffing level makes it 'impossible to deliver' on management's promises of improved service in economy class. The union has given Alaska Airlines two options: either properly staff its long-haul flights or limit the services provided onboard.