2025 Q2 Jumpseat Committee Update

From the Jumpseat Committee:

The Jumpseat Committee was recently notified that another airline had an attempted jumpseat breach by someone in a pilot uniform with falsified company credentials. The person made it as far as the flight deck, where the Captain denied the person when the badge didn’t look correct and part of the required ID was missing.

In light of this and the recent case in the news of the imposter FA jumpseating, we are reminding all pilots to check for all required ID/documents for jumpseaters and to double check that everything looks correct concerning jumpseaters attempting to ride on your airplane.


Jumpseating While on Leave

We have recently received several questions about jumpseating while on leave. As a reminder, while you are out on leave (MIL, FMLA, etc) you will not be able to use your Jumpseat benefits, as it is prohibited by Federal FSIMS.


Non-Rev Questions

Additionally, all non-rev questions and issues must be directed to the Company Pass Travel Department, as they are the ones that handle everything related to non-rev.

In Solidarity,
Paul Sadiq
Jumpseat Committee

Communications Committee Update – July 9, 2025

Fellow Pilots,

Allegiant just sold off what they once called the “future of our airline” — Sunseeker Resort — for less than 28 cents on the dollar. The same project our former CEO, John Redmond, pushed so aggressively, netting himself millions in bonuses before a single room was booked. And now, after driving this company into a $520 million loss, management wants to blame us for stalled contract negotiations.

In a recent message, Bill Fishburn claimed he hopes the Union shows up prepared for bargaining. Let’s be clear: that comment isn’t just out of touch — it’s insulting to every pilot who’s kept this airline running despite poor leadership and worsening conditions.

So let’s ask the real question: Who’s actually prepared for bargaining?

• A Union team backed by data, market analysis, and your priorities as professional aviators, or…

• A management team that’s hemorrhaging cash, offering concessionary proposals, and refusing to recognize basic industry standards?

Let’s not forget: management’s strategy has never been rooted in reality. In 2022, management blamed the Union for rejecting a Frontier + 3% offer — a deal that would’ve left Allegiant pilots more than $100,000 below our peers. They never mention that their “comprehensive” proposals are consistently out of step with the market — or reality.

In June 2024, they wasted three full days of in-person talks with another recycled, subpar proposal — one that ignored nearly every issue we’ve brought to the table. This pattern of stalling, deflecting, and disrespecting the pilot group is exactly why we are where we are.

Let’s also talk about safety. Contract fatigue is now operational fatigue. Pilots are being pressured to fly tired, and management has weaponized safety programs to maintain control. We’ve seen frontline managers push crews to operate aircraft despite legitimate concerns. This is not a sustainable culture — it’s a dangerous one. And it reeks of the same “profits-over-safety” mindset we saw at ValuJet, a company that was eerily well-represented by some members of Allegiant’s current board.

Bill Fishburn, we know exactly what this is: an attempt to fix your leadership’s financial mess on the backs of Allegiant pilots. It won’t work. We will not trade away safety, security, or the future of this profession — not for spin, not for fear, and certainly not for the same leadership team that’s already shown us where their priorities lie.

Stay focused. Stay united.
Ignore the noise. Trust the facts.

In solidarity,

Captain Robert Skiles
Communications Committee
APA Teamsters Local 2118

Negotiating Committee Update – July 9, 2025

Fellow Pilots,

Yesterday, we reached out to the Company and indicated that we will provide a comprehensive proposal on the remaining open items of the contract. We offered to meet in person next week to answer any questions that the company may have; we are currently awaiting a response.

The Union’s positions have not changed. From day one, the Union has been willing to bargain fairly and in good faith. Unfortunately, the Company has taken a very different approach — one marked by delays, substandard and unrealistic proposals, and a general unwillingness to bargain fairly. The company claimed that, unlike the rest of the industry, they could not make any progress unless they received a comprehensive proposal.

Now, they will have no more excuses.

We’ve made every attempt to bargain fairly, including offering operational flexibility and pragmatic solutions unique to Allegiant’s business model. Instead of working together to close out this contract, they have instead engaged in surface bargaining and delay tactics.

The intent of our comprehensive proposal is to remove any remaining pretense for their continued stalling and inaction. We have heard the Company claim they are ready to make a deal if they could just see the full picture; they are about to have it. At this late stage of bargaining, we expect nothing less than for management to come prepared to reach an agreement without further delays and/or excuses. If their below market offers and deliberate procrastination continue, the fault will remain where it always has been — with management.

We continue to do everything possible to move this process toward a just and timely conclusion. Our goal has always been a fair agreement — nothing less, and certainly nothing that moves us backward or is worse than what we currently have.

We will not accept concessions! More to follow.

In Unity,

Captain Joshua Allen
Negotiating Committee Chairman

Captain Jay Killen
Pilot Negotiator

Captain Brad Keller
Pilot Negotiator

Captain J.R. Lynch
NC Chief of Staff

Captain Jim Cole
Recording Analyst

ALLEGIANT PILOTS CONDEMN MASSIVE FINANCIAL LOSS, DEMAND OWED MONEY AND EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY

ALLEGIANT PILOTS ASSOCIATION TEAMSTERS LOCAL 2118
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Information Contact: Josh Martin, APA 2118 702-308-2755

ALLEGIANT PILOTS CONDEMN MASSIVE FINANCIAL LOSS, DEMAND OWED MONEY AND EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY

LAS VEGAS, NV – July 9, 2025 – Allegiant Air pilots, represented by Teamsters Local 2118, are calling out management after the company’s fire-sale of its Sunseeker Resort for just $200 million — a major financial blunder that resulted in a staggering $520 million loss and has pilots questioning whether an immediate executive management change is needed.Allegiant Travel Co., parent company of Allegiant Air, spent more than $720 million to build the ill-fated Florida resort, which operated for just 18 months before being offloaded to Blackstone at a 72% loss — recouping only 28 cents on the dollar.

“This wasn’t just a bad investment — it was a catastrophic miscalculation,” said Captain Rob Skiles. “And while pilots have been terminated for far less, not one executive has been held accountable. If we flew planes the way they run this company, we’d be grounded.”

A central concern is the retention bonus, estimated at over $200 million, which management committed to in order to retain pilots during a period of below-industry wages and stalled contract negotiations. Now, after four years without a deal, pilots say the security of that bonus is in serious doubt.

“We have every reason to fear our bonus will be the next fire-sale discount — if it’s ever paid at all,” said Captain Kevin Winter. “If leadership can accept 28 cents on the dollar for their own failures, we must demand full payment of what we’ve earned before it vanishes into C-suite compensation and other vanity projects.”

The Union also emphasized that pilot morale is at an all-time low, citing mounting pressure from front-line supervisors to overlook safety concerns and fly while fatigued — all while negotiations stagnate and operational demands intensify.

“We’ve been asked to do more with less while they gambled with this company’s future,” said Captain Skiles. “When those gambles failed, they turned around and blamed the Union. That’s not leadership — that’s deflection.”

Pilots also expressed frustration with the lack of corporate governance from Allegiant’s Board of so-called “Independent Directors” — including Chairman Maury Gallagher and Director Ponder Harrison, both of whom previously held leadership roles at ValuJet, the ill-fated Florida budget carrier whose history ended in tragedy. Most on the board appear to be long-time associates of Gallagher, raising serious concerns about whether true independence or accountability exists within the Board of Directors. Pilots are now calling for new leadership that prioritizes accountability, safety, and sustainable airline growth. “It’s time to take a hard look at who is leading this company,” said Winter. “We deserve a management team whose accountability matches the dedication and professionalism we bring to the flight deck every day.”


About Allegiant Pilots Association Teamsters Local 2118
Teamsters Local 2118 represents approximately 1,400 pilots of Allegiant Air and is affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The Union has been in active negotiations with Allegiant since 2021.

Negotiating Committee Update – July 8, 2025

Fellow Pilots,

This week, your Union has taken to hold Allegiant management group accountable for its actions and to bring these negotiations to a timely end. We’ve been ready. It’s more than time for Allegiant management to catch up to us.

The Sunseeker debacle is the latest instance of management pointing fingers and failing to take accountability for its actions. They sold the resort for 0.28 cents on the dollar. They lost over $520 million on the sale — equal to more than 50% of the company’s entire market value — they congratulated themselves. This type of laissez-faire, care-free behavior is the same energy they bring to bargaining.

This pilot group is out of patience.

We have demanded that management pay your retention bonuses immediately, and rightfully so, before that money becomes another pennies-on-the-dollar discount like Sunseeker. You have earned it. Allegiant managers have repeatedly promised you that they would pay it out.

Please see the Amendment to the Interim Agreement and letter to Greg Anderson from Trustee.

No more excuses.

In Unity,

Negotiating Committee
APA Teamsters Local 2118

ALLEGIANT AIR WASTES MILLIONS, STILL WON’T PAY PILOTS

For Immediate Release July 8, 2025

 

 

Teamsters Call Out Airline for Misplaced Priorities and Stalled Negotiations

(WASHINGTON) – Allegiant Air pilots represented by Teamsters Local 2118 are raising serious questions about Allegiant’s leadership after the company this week sold its failed Sunseeker Resort while continuing to stall contract negotiations for 1,400 union pilots.

The airline claims the sale of its unsuccessful hotel project signals a renewed focus on its core airline operations, but their actions tell a different story.

“Allegiant’s executives have wasted billions on failed side hustles while refusing to fairly pay the pilots who actually keep this carrier in the air,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Allegiant owes our members over $200 million in hard-earned retention bonuses. The Teamsters demand accountability and a fair contract now from this greedy, corruptible employer.”
Allegiant pilots have been stuck in negotiations for over four years. While others across the airline industry have secured pay increases and improved working conditions in recent years, Allegiant has refused to pay industry standard wages and is asking pilots to make concessions on quality of life and scheduling issues.

Since March 2021, Allegiant’s market value has decreased by 78 percent, with a current market cap of $1.3 billion. The company lost $520 million on the sale of its ill-fated Sunseeker Resort, which is equal to over half of the company’s current market value. The sale of the South Florida hotel follows a pattern of frivolous spending by the airline. With impractical ventures outside its core airline operations, from sports stadiums to luxury hotels and golf courses, Allegiant has burned millions of dollars on corporate pet projects.

Corporate financial mismanagement has left the company ill-equipped to resolve outstanding contract negotiations for pilots, but the Teamsters continue to call on Allegiant to return to the bargaining table.

“Management at Allegiant has no ability to lead this company. They have no allegiance to the hardworking, dedicated pilots,” said Greg Unterseher, Teamsters Airline Division Director, Above-the-Wing. “The Teamsters Union has zero confidence that Allegiant will bargain in good faith, but this company must be held to account. We demand they return to the table and end the disrespect of working people now.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information.

 

Contact: Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279 LMelentijevic@teamster.org

Communications Committee Update – July 7, 2025

Fellow Pilots,

Today, Allegiant CEO Greg Anderson was “pleased” to announce that Allegiant sold the failing Sunseeker Resort for just $200 million. They spent over $720 million to build it, excluding the substantial operational losses incurred during its short life. That’s a loss of over $520+ million.

The “best in class” management team recovered just 28 cents on the dollar.

Allegiant Pilots have been terminated for much less.

These “managers” are still employed, while some Allegiant pilots have been fired for simply doing their jobs in difficult situations. Allegiant pilots are being aggressively targeted for things like standing up for safety and using the fatigue program, yet management is high fiving itself over this colossal failure.

If management is willing to accept 28 cents on the dollar for their own mistakes, how can we trust them with our future, let alone their financial obligations to us? Will our retention bonuses be the next Allegiant obligation to take a “discount”?

IT’S TIME 

Management has repeatedly told pilots they want to pay the bonus, if only the Union would “just get out of the way” and “make it happen”. As an unwilling Allegiant debtholder, we now demand that our retention bonus be paid immediately — in full — before another $200 million quietly vanishes into C-suite bonuses and other ridiculous projects. Our pilots have carried this airline through management’s repeated blunders, a global pandemic, and now four years of fruitless negotiations. No excuses. The bonus must be paid.

Additionally, let’s take a hard look at who’s leading this company. It’s time to openly discuss our lack of confidence in our senior management and the Board of Directors that enabled these disasters. The managers who spent nearly $ 1 billion on Sunseeker and lost tens of millions more per quarter trying to keep it afloat want to tell you that you’re not worth a contract that matches your peers.

If we aren’t worth a contract that matches our peers, are we at least worthy of a management team that can run an airline?

In Unity,

Communications Committee
APA Teamsters Local 2118

Independence Day Message from Communications Committee

Fellow Pilots,

Happy Independence Day.

As our nation celebrates its 249th birthday, we’re reminded of the enduring spirit that built this country: courage, unity, and the relentless pursuit of a better future. Whether you’re flying this weekend or enjoying time at home with loved ones, we hope you find a moment to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most.

This 4th of July, we also recognize our own fight—a fight for an industry-standard contract that reflects our value, our professionalism, and our sacrifices. Make no mistake, this will be a hard-fought battle. We face a company that has resisted progress at every turn and shown consistent hostility toward union efforts. But we are not the first to walk this path—and we are not walking it alone.

We’ve been reaching out to pilots who stood in this arena before us—those who laid the groundwork, who faced similar resistance and overcame it. One pilot told us, “The company finally gave in once they saw how united we had become.” That is the key. Not words. Not emails. Unity.

If you want negotiations to move forward—if you want real progress—stand strong with your fellow Teamsters. Stop giving oxygen to division. Don’t echo the talking points of a company trying to weaken our resolve. This isn’t about one group or one individual—it’s about all of us, together.

As President Theodore Roosevelt once said:

“It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena… who strives valiantly… who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…”

Let’s continue to dare greatly. Let’s stay in the arena—shoulder to shoulder, proud and united.

In solidarity,

Captain Robert Skiles
Communications Committee
APA Teamsters Local 2118

Bylaws Committee Update – July 3, 2025

Fellow Allegiant Pilots,

I have recorded some explanatory videos of the documents that were provided to you, attached below. Additional videos to follow soon. You can also look forward to an additional survey that will be distributed once there has been enough time for review of our revisions.

I sincerely hope that we can all take a few moments to put some individual review of these bylaws that are being put forth. I wholeheartedly believe they are a necessary improvement, and have been independently reviewed by pilots who will serve their career under them. I believe that the only appropriate direction to move from here on out is forward! These bylaws are an important step in that direction, and if you want to move toward an elected executive board to represent you, then please make the effort to participate in this upcoming vote!

 

Bylaws Comparison Video

Bylaws Revision Video

 

In solidarity,

Captain Dean Rodgers
Bylaws Committee
APA Teamsters Local 2118

Setting the Record Straight – We Stand United

Fellow Pilots,

We’ve seen the recent emails from Allegiant’s VP of Labor Relations, Bill Fishburn, and we need to set the record straight.

Despite his attempt to spin the National Mediation Board’s (NMB) response as a company “win,” the facts tell a very different story.

Let’s be absolutely clear: the NMB did not deny our request for a status conference nor did they deny our request for a proffer of arbitration, as you can read for yourself in the NMBs notice. The NMB went on to say that our request for a status conference, a standard precursor to any successful proffer request, is still under consideration.

The NMB also stated that the parties are to meet in July as scheduled, previously established, and agreed to by the parties. Nothing in the NMBs notice indicates a final decision has been made. Any suggestion otherwise is misleading at best, although some make failing attempts to twist, politicize, and weaponize the NMB’s words.

Mr. Fishburn’s messaging is clearly intended to sow division and demoralize this group. This isn’t new—it’s the same tired tactic we’ve seen from this company for years. But we know better. And more importantly, we stand stronger than ever before.

As our new Union volunteers take the baton and carry this fight forward, we’ve revisited the path blazed by the pilots who came before us. Looking through communications from over a decade ago, one theme is striking: the company used the exact same tactics back then—misdirection, division, and delay. But just as we saw through it then, we will cut through the noise now.

So let’s borrow the rallying cry from those Allegiant pilots who’ve built this foundation:

Ignore the Noise. Focus on the Facts.

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate. UNIFY.

We are not backing down. We are not at a loss. We are right where we need to be, informed, and relentless. Allegiant will deliver the contract that we have earned. We won’t settle for anything less.

In solidarity,

Captain Robert Skiles
Communications Committee
APA Teamsters Local 2118