Not D-LUVly
What’s With the Use of “D” Flight Attendants and
Why is this a Departure From the Southwest Culture?




Inspired by the music and lyrics of Cole Porter and an
ill-conceived SWA Management decision

Special thanks to the Night and Day Trio of Washington, DC
Sing Along!!!

The flight is on, the skies are clear
The Southwest “D” Flight Attendants are near,
It's demeaning, it's deceptive, it's despicable.


I understand the reason why.
The D Flight Attendants are only here to spy.


It's demeaning, it's deceptive, it's despicable.

At first glance you would think you were on
Northwest, the old Eastern, Air France.
This is not our company at its best.
NOT THE CULTURE OF HERB'S SOUTHWEST.


Please be sweet and please take care and in a whisper please repeat:

It's demeaning, it's deceptive, it's despicable,
it’s deplorable, it's dilemma, it's demented, it's not Not D-LUVly.


A, B, C, D Flight Attendants: What Does it Mean?

For 37 years, Southwest Airlines (SWA) has designated Flight Attendants as A, B and C corresponding to their specific positions and duties on the aircraft. The "D" position has historically been reserved exclusively for the Inflight Operating Experience of new Flight Attendants in training. Until now. Management recently has begun placing Managers and Supervisors, many of whom have never worked as Southwest Flight Attendants, in the D position in the role of the professional Flight Attendants represented by Transport Workers Union Local 556. Ds would replace one of the working crew members during flights. When Management told our Union of its intent to begin this program, TWU Local 556 replied that it would oppose this change for the following reasons:

  • Contract Violation - Placing these Managers on flights masquerading as Southwest Flight Attendants is a clear violation of the TWU/SWA Flight Attendants' Contract, precedent-setting grievance settlements, and long-established and agreed-upon past practice.
  • Safety Risk? - What are the designated duties for Ds during times of emergency?
  • It's "Just NOT Plane Smart" - The Union is alsoIn a time of fierce competition and cost-cutting, other Southwest employee groups are being forced to do more work with fewer people. Meanwhile, under the new D arrangement, the Inflight Department uses four people to do the job of three. In addition, these Inflight Leaders who admit their skills are "rusty," place our reputation for exemplary customer service at risk.

Perhaps They Should Have Been Labeled "F" for Fake

With contract negotiations just around the corner, the clear reason for the D Flight Attendant on your jumpseat is good, old-fashioned union-busting. Certainly, Southwest can find better ways to win the trust and goodwill of our work group than creating pretend, substandard Flight Attendants. The new D Flight Attendants are a clear departure from Southwest's culture of quality, trust and teamwork. Management claims the D Flight Attendant is an investment in the relationship between our Flight Attendants and Management. We believe the best way to maintain and build positive interaction is by honoring the Contract that we both signed.

What Can We Do? What Should Management Do?

TWU Local 556 has filed two grievances in response to the Contract violations resulting from the scheduling of D Flight Attendants. The Union also is exploring other legal action to end this ill-conceived idea. Management has the ability to end this program NOW and restore a constructive, working relationship with our Union.

What Can YOU Do?

If you have an "Inflight Leader" on your flight assigned to the D Position, politely refuse their help and remind them that they must remain seated and comply with all FAA requirements including remaining seated while the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign is on and notify the Union of the name, employee number and pairing of any D Flight Attendant you encounter.

Another thing you can do is enjoy our music video "Not D-LUVly" and forward it to your friends, family, and especially your co-workers. We would be "D"-lighted if you did. Thank you for being the best Flight Attendants in the sky.