• PBGC Estimates
• TSA Announces Refinements To Security Measures
• Accessing The Hub
• AFA Local Numbers

Dear Members,

PBGC Estimates

The Pension Board Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) has notified me that they have mailed out pension estimates to all US Airways flight attendants as of September 21, 2006. There are about 700 flight attendants who will not receive a benefit estimate because the PBGC does not have a current address for you. If you do not receive a current retirement estimate by October 10, 2006, please contact the PBGC at 800-400-7242 for assistance. The PBGC can tell you what they have as your current address and make corrections and mail you out a retirement estimate.

Please note that the PBGC will state that your employment with US Airways as a flight attendant was terminated as of January 10, 2005. This is because the pension program was terminated at that time. As far as the PBGC is concerned, your left US Airways at hat time and went to work elsewhere. You will receive no additional pension credits toward your retirement after January 10, 2005. If you did not have 30 years in the pension program as of that date you were not fully funded in the pension program and they will take a deduction based upon your seniority as of that date. It does not matter how long you continue to work for US Airways after that date, none of that time counts towards your pension.

The PBGC will be in Charlotte on September 27 and 28 to answer questions about he pension program, along with myself. You may also pick up a pension booklet in your base at the field crew service center or on both the Hub and www.AFAUSAirways.org. 

If you are looking at the best 3 of 10 years; those years are from January 1, 1995 through December 31, 2004. None of the time you are currently working counts towards your pension payments. It is if US Airways non longer existed after January 10, 2005. The Social Security offset is still in effect and it is accounted for in the PBGC estimate.

The PBGC took our pension formula form the3 May 1, 2000 contract and is administrating that formula for your pension today.

Once again for further information you may contact eh PBGC, read the pension booklet or contact myself at 610-544-2875.

Paul H. Frishkorn
AFA MEC Benefits Chairperson
PFrishkorn@afusairways.org

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TSA Announces Refinements To Security Measures - Agency Adjusts Liquid Ban, Aviation Threat Level Remains High

Press Office
Transportation Security Administration

September 25, 2006
Media Inquiries Only - (571) 227-2829
All Other Inquiries - (866) 289-9673

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today it is adjusting its total ban on liquids, gels and aerosols effective Tuesday, September 26.  There are two significant changes: Travelers will be allowed to carry travel-size toiletries (3 ounce or less) that fit comfortably in ONE quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag through security checkpoints. Travelers may also bring items, including beverages, purchased in the secure, boarding area on-board the aircraft.

"After the initial, total ban, we have learned enough from the UK investigation to say with confidence that small, travel size liquids are safe to bring through security checkpoints in limited numbers," said Assistant Secretary for TSA Kip Hawley.  "We have also taken additional security measures throughout the airport that make us comfortable allowing passengers to bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure area onboard."

TSA will be enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment, both visible and not visible to the traveling public. Examples of these measures include: more random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity verification standards and deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal and screening by observation techniques. It is unlikely that further adjustments to the ban on liquids, gels and aerosols will be made in the near future.

The United States and United Kingdom (UK) have continued to work closely together and have shared technical and threat information with partners in Canada and the European Union (EU). These measures are being simultaneously adopted in partnership with the Canadian government. The UK and the EU are expected to consider similar changes in the coming weeks.

Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson said, "Today’s announcement represents a unified approach with our Canadian partners. These are sustainable, common-sense adjustments that combined with additional security measures throughout the airport will keep the traveling public safe."

The U.S. Homeland Security threat level for aviation remains at Orange, or high, and will not change at this time. This security regime will apply to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for flights originating at non-U.S. airports. 

Existing exemptions including larger amounts of required medications, baby formula and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared to security officers at the entrance of the checkpoint for screening. For additional information and travel tips, please visit www.tsa.gov.

TSA first implemented the ban on all liquids, gels and lotions on August 10, after U.K. officials uncovered a terrorist plot involving transatlantic flights bound for the United States.  

Video clips of these new procedures and Assistant Secretary Hawley’s statement are available at www.tsa.gov.

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AFA US Airways website

http://www.afausairways.org/

Accessing The Hub:

http://thehub.usairways.com 
Questions about the Hub? Please contact the EDS Help Desk at 336-744-6000 for assistance. More information can also be found HERE.

AFA Local Numbers

Council 40 PIT 724-695-3329
Council 41 DCA 703-212-8090
Council 69 BOS 781-289-8454
Council 70 PHL 215-492-0840
Council 82 LGA 315-736-3483
Council 89 CLT 704-527-0325

New Hotline Number Toll Free: 866-USA-AFA2
US AIRWAYS Benefits Information 800-872-4780

Reply to Inflight: askinflight@usairways.com