Travel & Settling Time for Base Transfers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Travel Time?

Travel time is allowed for the purpose of traveling to the new base and attending orientation.

How do I get Travel Time?

Flight attendants will be notified via CCS message of the awarded transfer. When submitting the acceptance, the Flight Attendant will choose if they would like to fly, drive, or not have an assignment/pairing dropped.  By selecting flying or driving this may result in assignment(s)/pairing(s) being dropped should they conflict with the travel day(s).

Can I choose the day(s) that I get for Travel Time?

Travel time is applied in consecutive days, which could include vacation and days off, and directly preceding the effective date of the transfer. Travel time is only provided when the original awarded schedule or vacation does not provide the Flight Attendant time off to travel.  If you pick up trips, trade OFF days or change your schedule in any way that is within your travel time, you are forfeiting your travel time as your actions indicate that you are choosing to work during that time.

Can I change my travel time selection after I've submitted my transfer acceptance?  

Unfortunately, no; when accepting the transfer, you must choose to fly, drive, or not have an assignment/pairing dropped.  If you are unsure, you have a week to accept or decline.  Once your transfer has been accepted, the means of travel can NOT be changed.

Is Travel Time paid?

A Flight Attendant who voluntarily changes Bases for the first time is eligible for paid travel time. Each subsequent transfer is still entitled to travel time but will not receive pay protection. 

When is Travel Time processed?

Travel time is processed by Inflight Administration - FAST, in Chicago.  It is a manual process that begins the first day of the effective month of the transfer, through the 15th; check your schedule on the 16th.  For example, if the transfer is effective 11/30, FAST will begin processing travel time on November 1st and will complete by the 15th of the month. 

How do you determine the number of travel days received?

The number of days given depends upon the method of travel, flying or driving, and the distance between the two bases, utilizing the chart below.

Can I request additional Travel days if I need more time off?

Unfortunately, no; if you need more time off than what you are due based upon your means of travel and the chart above, you will have to pursue PTO, PDs DATV, trades or other contractual scheduling flexibilities to get the additional time off.

Who is eligible to take settling time?

Any flight attendant who is voluntarily transferred, involuntarily transferred, transferred to a newly established base, or is initially assigned AND is changing residences from one location to another. 

Can I take my settling days before my transfer is effective?

No, settling time is to be used only after the effective date of a transfer for activities which are actually associated with the move from one residence to the other.

When is the deadline for submitting a settling time request?

You may request settling time for up to 12 months after your effective transfer date. For example, if your transfer award has an effective date of February 1, 2023, you will have until February 1, 2024 to request settling time, provided you give at least two days’ notice.

What documentation do I need to provide to prove I am moving?

Some examples of acceptable documentation are: copy of new lease/rental agreement, moving company contract, mortgage deed/receipt, insurance documents (homeowner/renter policy), utility confirmation of service, USPS change of address confirmation letter, etc. 

17.L.1.

Unless eligible under Section 26.A.2., a Flight Attendant will receive two (2) round trip NRSA SA1B (or its future equivalent), non-revenue, no charge, space available passes per month to be used by the employee, spouse and/or dependents during the initial one hundred eight (180) days after report. After the initial one hundred eighty (180) days, the Flight Attendant will receive one round trip NRPS PS5B (or its future equivalent), non-revenue positive space business pass annually in order to conduct personal business at the location of their former residence.

The following provisions shall apply to Flight Attendants who must transfer from a Base outside the U.S. and its territories due to governmental restrictions:

17.L.2.a.

The Company will provide one (1) round trip PS5B (or its future equivalent), NRPS business pass for the purpose of “house-hunting” to each Flight Attendant, as well as spouse and dependents, between their her/his Base and their her/his new Base or place of permanent residence for use prior to their effective transfer date.

17.L.2.b.

Transferring Flight Attendants, as well as their spouse and dependents, will be provided one (1) one-way PS5B (or its future equivalent), NRPS business pass between their Base and their new Base or place of permanent residence for the purpose of this transfer. 

17.L.2.c.

Flight Attendants shall be permitted to ship up to one thousand (1,000) pounds of personal effects to the new Base as space available COMAT on Company aircraft.

17.L.2.d.

Deposits on homes, apartments or utilities in the Base outside the U.S., which are returned to the Flight Attendant will be exchanged into U.S. Dollars by the Company, subject to governmental limitations, if any. The exchange rate will be that used for the most recent paycheck issued prior to the individual’s date of transfer, and will be reimbursed at that time.