American Airlines Partner PSA Reaches Flight Attendant Contract Deal

AFA President Sara Nelson praises American CEO Robert Isom, criticizes United CEO Scott Kirby as PSA reaches agreement.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Flight attendants at PSA, a regional airline owned by American Airlines, have reached a tentative three-year contract agreement that includes a 30% to 50% increase in compensation, an immediate 10% wage increase, boarding pay increases, retro pay, additional wage scale raises, scheduling improvements, and increased flexibility. The contract now goes to the 1,600 flight attendants represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) for ratification, with votes to be counted on March 6.

Why it matters

This contract agreement is significant as it demonstrates American Airlines' commitment to recognizing the work of its frontline employees, in contrast to other airlines like United that are reportedly succeeding on the backs of underpaid workers. The deal also sets a foundation for flight attendant contracts at American's other regional partners.

The details

The new PSA flight attendant contract includes a 30% to 50% increase in compensation, with an immediate 10% wage increase, boarding pay that boosts compensation by an average of 15% to 16%, retro pay, additional wage scale raises, scheduling improvements, and increased flexibility. The contract is for three years and now goes to the 1,600 AFA-represented flight attendants for ratification, with votes to be counted on March 6.

  • The current PSA contract became amendable on July 15, 2023.
  • The new tentative agreement was reached in February 2026.

The players

Sara Nelson

President of the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), the union representing PSA's 1,600 flight attendants.

Robert Isom

CEO of American Airlines, which owns the regional carrier PSA.

Scott Kirby

CEO of United Airlines, which is currently negotiating a contract with its own flight attendants represented by AFA.

Sean Griffin

A 20-year PSA flight attendant who is the vice president of the master executive council and a negotiator.

PSA

A regional airline owned by American Airlines that operates 730 daily departures, including 130 in Charlotte.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Although it was extremely difficult bargaining with PSA, American CEO Robert Isom demonstrated his longstanding commitment to recognize the work of frontline employees who make it possible for American to fly. We appreciate his direct engagement to make this agreement possible. That stands in stark contrast to other carriers who are succeeding on the backs of their underpaid workers.”

— Sara Nelson, President, Association of Flight Attendants

What’s next

The new PSA flight attendant contract will go to the 1,600 AFA-represented flight attendants for ratification, with votes to be counted on March 6.

The takeaway

This contract agreement highlights American Airlines' commitment to its frontline employees, in contrast to other airlines that are reportedly succeeding by underpaying their workers. The deal sets an important foundation for flight attendant contracts at American's other regional partners as well.