Management Announces Furloughs, 9/22/2025

In this edition (September 22, 2025):

• Voluntary and Involuntary Furloughs

• Navigating the Announcement of Furloughs, EAP

Voluntary and Involuntary Furloughs

Management has officially announced plans to furlough approximately 1,800 Flight Attendants as a part of the downsizing in bankruptcy. Section 16 of our contract provides furlough procedures and the requirement of a voluntary furlough bid and award prior to involuntary furloughs. 

Voluntary furloughs will be offered for six months or 1 year time periods. Flight Attendants eligible to bid for the voluntary furlough will be able to bid for one of these options or both, with a preference of time period.

We have been able to mitigate harm for our workgroup until this point. Together we have been able to stave off furlough announcements through this program. The problem is that the significant reduction of aircraft and flight hours requires a much higher reduction in force and the company is clear that a furlough is necessary. 

Again, per Section 16 of our contract, management must offer voluntary furlough before they move forward with involuntary furloughs. We encourage all who are able, to bid for one or both options. 

Voluntary Furlough Process (Section 16. B)

• The voluntary furlough will be effective November 1, with six month and one year options. 

• Flight Attendants on voluntary furlough will be able to keep healthcare benefits at the same premium rates as active employees. 

• Flight Attendants currently on EVTO can bid for the voluntary furloughs. 

• At a minimum the bidding will be open until the end of Friday, September 26th, and we’re pushing to extend this period so people have more time to talk with their families before making a decision.

• It is important for those who are considering a voluntary furlough to recognize how flying may change after a furlough. Reserve coverage will go more senior, for example.

Involuntary Furlough Process (Section 16. A)

• Following award of the voluntary furlough, management will proceed with involuntary furlough in inverse order of system seniority up to the number announced in the WARN notices.

• The involuntary furlough will be effective December 1.

• A Flight Attendant on furlough shall retain the same medical, dental and life insurance on the same terms and at the same Flight Attendant contribution rates as Flight Attendants on active status for 90 days and on-line space available pass privileges for one year.

• A furloughed Flight Attendant shall retain all seniority and longevity accrued prior to the time of furlough for a period not to exceed six (6) years. The Flight Attendant shall continue to accrue bid seniority while on furlough.

EVTOs

• Flight Attendants currently on EVTO can bid for voluntary furloughs. 

• All remaining EVTOs may be cancelled after the voluntary furlough is counted. We are in the process of confirming this asap so you have the best information to weigh your options.

Your Spirit AFA Officers, AFA International Officers, and our legal experts at AFA International are fighting to protect Spirit Flight Attendants, mitigate harm, and protect the interests of Spirit Flight Attendants. 

Other airlines are hiring for Flight Attendants. Our Union is working with AFA MECs to secure preferential interviews with those airlines. 

Management has also indicated, though not officially noticed us yet, that they will be seeking changes to our contract per Section 1113 of the Bankruptcy Code. We do not have any further details on this at this time. Information will move quickly though and we encourage you to stay close to your AFA communications.

AFA EAP is available 24/7 at 800-424-2406.

Navigating the Announcement of Furloughs

From your AFA EAP

For Flight Attendants, trips are a rhythm we build our lives around. From the early morning wake-ups to layovers in other cities, the unique ebb and flow of our work becomes part of who we are. So, when furloughs are announced, it hits the heart of our identity and livelihood. Furlough news is more than just a corporate decision; it’s a deeply personal and professional upheaval. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, there are ways to begin navigating this challenging period with as much resilience and focus as possible. Consider some of the suggestions below. 

Name the Emotions

Furloughs can trigger a complex mix of emotions — sadness for lost opportunities, fear about financial security,  anger at circumstances beyond one’s control, and even guilt for feeling relieved if you weren’t affected as severely as others. It’s okay to name these emotions. Acknowledging what you’re feeling is the first step to processing it in a healthy way.

Focus on What You Can Control

While you may not have power over furloughs, there are aspects of your response that you can control. Start by organizing your immediate priorities: understanding your rights, benefits, and options. Take charge of personnel finances by developing a financial action plan.  A valuable resource that can help you get started is the survival guide created for union members “When the Pay Check Stops”  https://aflcio.org/reports/when-paycheck-stops-afl-cio-survival-guide-unemployment

Give Yourself Permission to Rest, Recalibrate and Recover

Flight Attendants are notoriously resilient and adaptable — but resilience doesn’t mean pushing through without acknowledging the toll. If you’re involuntarily furloughed, give yourself permission to rest, grieve, and recalibrate. This isn’t wasted time; it’s necessary recovery.

Stay Informed but Set Boundaries

While it’s important to stay updated on developments related to the furloughs, avoid excessive news consumption that can amplify stress. Set specific times to check for updates and rely on credible sources for accurate information.

Stay Connected

Isolation can worsen the emotional weight of uncertainty. Stay plugged into your support networks, whether through virtual meetups, group chats, or in-person gatherings.  Remember, you’re not just a crew member — you’re family. And we take care of our own. Peer support, through AFA EAP, is available to you regardless of your furloughed status.  Reach out to them at 800-424-2406.