Charlotte, North Carolina, February 20, 2026
Flight attendants at PSA Airlines have reached a tentative agreement securing a 10% immediate pay increase and introducing boarding pay. This three-year contract is expected to boost overall compensation by 30% to 50% over its duration. The agreement includes retroactive pay, wage increases, and enhanced scheduling flexibility, marking a significant win for the approximately 1,600 attendants. The union aims for more frequent negotiation opportunities, making it a pivotal moment for regional airline standards. The ratification vote is scheduled for March 6.
Charlotte, North Carolina
PSA Airlines Flight Attendants Reach Tentative Agreement, Securing Immediate 10% Pay Increase and Boarding Pay
Flight attendants at PSA Airlines, a regional subsidiary of American Airlines, have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. The deal, announced on February 19, 2026, includes an immediate 10% wage increase and introduces pay for boarding, a significant change that is expected to boost average compensation by an additional 15% to 16%. Over the entire duration of the contract, total compensation increases for the flight attendants are projected to range from 30% to 50%.
The agreement comes after challenging negotiations that began in 2023 when the previous contract became amendable. This tentative deal also includes provisions for retroactive pay, further wage scale raises, scheduling improvements, and increased flexibility for the airline’s approximately 1,600 flight attendants. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the union representing PSA flight attendants, stated that the shorter three-year contract duration is a strategic win, allowing for more frequent negotiation opportunities to improve working lives.
Key Details of the New Contract
The newly proposed three-year contract offers substantial benefits beyond the initial wage hike. In addition to the immediate 10% raise, flight attendants who are not yet at the top of their pay scale will receive two wage increases annually during the contract’s term. The introduction of boarding pay marks a notable shift, as previously, flight attendants were often not compensated for the time spent boarding passengers until the aircraft door closed. This new pay component is anticipated to significantly impact overall earnings, especially for those working multiple flights daily.
Other improvements within the agreement include a higher monthly guarantee of 75 hours, enhanced cancellation language, and minimum day pay matching that of pilots. Flight attendants will also receive time-and-a-half pay for extensions and junior assigning, deadhead pay for travel to and from training, and home study pay that will be compensated above any owed guarantee. Two additional paid holidays, Memorial Day and the 4th of July, have also been added. Per diem rates are also set to increase incrementally over the contract’s life.
Ratification Process and Industry Context
The tentative agreement will now be put to a ratification vote among PSA flight attendants. Ballots are scheduled to be counted on March 6, 2026. If approved, this contract is expected to set a new standard within the regional airline industry, particularly regarding contract duration.
PSA Airlines, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group. It operates regional flights under the American Eagle brand to nearly 100 destinations with a fleet consisting exclusively of Bombardier regional jet aircraft. The airline employs over 5,000 team members and operates more than 700 daily flights. This agreement for PSA flight attendants follows a period where the contract, initially approved in 2019, became amendable in July 2023 and had been trailing other regional airline flight attendant contracts. The negotiations for this new contract have been described as difficult, but the direct engagement from American Airlines’ leadership was acknowledged as instrumental in reaching the deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key outcome of the tentative agreement for PSA Airlines flight attendants?
The tentative agreement includes an immediate 10% wage increase and introduces pay for boarding.
What is the duration of the new contract?
The new contract is a three-year agreement.
What is the expected total compensation increase over the life of the contract?
Over the entire duration of the contract, total compensation increases for the flight attendants are projected to range from 30% to 50%.
When will the flight attendants vote on the tentative agreement?
The tentative agreement will be put to a ratification vote among PSA flight attendants, with ballots scheduled to be counted on March 6, 2026.
What other benefits are included in the agreement?
Other benefits include retroactive pay, further wage scale raises, scheduling improvements, increased flexibility, a higher monthly guarantee of 75 hours, enhanced cancellation language, minimum day pay matching that of pilots, time-and-a-half pay for extensions and junior assigning, deadhead pay for travel to and from training, home study pay, two additional paid holidays (Memorial Day and the 4th of July), and incremental per diem increases.
Who represents the PSA Airlines flight attendants?
The flight attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
What kind of airline is PSA Airlines?
PSA Airlines is a regional airline and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group.
Key Features of the Tentative Agreement
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Duration | Three years | Nationwide |
| Immediate Wage Increase | 10% | Nationwide |
| Introduction of Boarding Pay | Expected to add 15% to 16% to average compensation | Nationwide |
| Total Compensation Increase (Over life of contract) | 30% to 50% | Nationwide |
| Additional Wage Increases | Two per year for flight attendants not at top of pay scale | Nationwide |
| Retroactive Pay | Included | Nationwide |
| Scheduling Improvements | Included | Nationwide |
| Increased Flexibility | Included | Nationwide |
| Monthly Guarantee | Increased to 75 hours | Nationwide |
| New Paid Holidays | Memorial Day, 4th of July | Nationwide |
| Ratification Vote Deadline | March 6, 2026 | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Airport Workers Strike for Better Wages and Safety
Charlotte Emerges as a Top Relocation Destination
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
