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Hey, to all of you major guys, what was it like getting on with a major Pre-9/11. Was it fair to say that once you met the mins and applied you would most likely get a call, without internal recs? How long was it that most people had to stay at the regional (I guess it was Commuters back then) level etc................I would ask what the lifestyle was like Pre-9/11 but I would rather not get depressed but feel free to comment. Like most guys at the regional level any major at this point seems like a long shot, more like winning the lottery, what was it like back then, as well as how desirer able were places like UPS, FEDEX, CAl, and SWA Pre- 9/11 Thanks.......
I'm not at the majors, but I would agree. It was still about newtworking, not just meeting the mins. I would occasionally fly with a guy getting cold called from HR at a major, but even then, it seemed there was no rhyme or reason. Guys with less PIC/types would get calls before check air man and sim instructors. But still, it was about who you knew. As an example, UAL had over 10,000 apps on file in 2000. Of those, being consertive, maybe half actually met the mins to apply. Do you think they are going to call all 5000 because they met the mins?
The stuff that was better was not even related to hiring. Being able to go through security and not get hassled because you are not in uniform. Not having to take the laptop out or disrobe. Being able to JS in the front of ANY carrier as long as the CA ok'd it, even traveling international.
I'm not at the majors, but I would agree. It was still about newtworking, not just meeting the mins. I would occasionally fly with a guy getting cold called from HR at a major, but even then, it seemed there was no rhyme or reason. Guys with less PIC/types would get calls before check air man and sim instructors. But still, it was about who you knew. As an example, UAL had over 10,000 apps on file in 2000. Of those, being consertive, maybe half actually met the mins to apply. Do you think they are going to call all 5000 because they met the mins?
The stuff that was better was not even related to hiring. Being able to go through security and not get hassled because you are not in uniform. Not having to take the laptop out or disrobe. Being able to JS in the front of ANY carrier as long as the CA ok'd it, even traveling international.
man that does sound nice, I hate the TSA and security, and to think the rampers dont have to go through security is just mind boggling.............
One more thing on the Jump seat. You could bang in sick and then go wherever. There was no CASS, and no employment verification/paper trail like now. Sure, you still had to fill out the forms for some carriers, but it was not the same as now. And if you were JS'ing off line, it would be even harder to get caught. Sure, the CP could check, but it would be a lot of work for him to track it down.
A friend of mine called in sick over Christmas one year to go somewhere tropical, but like and idiot, he elected to use a pass. Sure enough, the chief tracked it down. Had he JS'ed, he would have been OK. Idiot.
.... Was it fair to say that once you met the mins and applied you would most likely get a call, without internal recs? .... how [desirable] were places like UPS, FEDEX, CAl, and SWA Pre- 9/11 ...
From what I remember, you still needed internal recs and AA even had a "meet-n-greet" with the CP If I recall. And yes all the above were desirable except maybe CAL at the time. So the hiring aspect has not changed much, when you compare that to everything else!
man that does sound nice, I hate the TSA and security, and to think the rampers dont have to go through security is just mind boggling.............
I hear ya. Our crew room is outside security in BOS. The rampers walk right through our crewroom onto the ramp. Apparently we could do the same a few months ago but, now massport or somebody makes us got through security now. Seems silly to me because the rampers have the same access to the aircraft as we do and in some cases more
Hey, to all of you major guys, what was it like getting on with a major Pre-9/11. Was it fair to say that once you met the mins and applied you would most likely get a call, without internal recs? How long was it that most people had to stay at the regional (I guess it was Commuters back then) level etc................I would ask what the lifestyle was like Pre-9/11 but I would rather not get depressed but feel free to comment. Like most guys at the regional level any major at this point seems like a long shot, more like winning the lottery, what was it like back then, as well as how desirer able were places like UPS, FEDEX, CAl, and SWA Pre- 9/11 Thanks.......
I Wasn't at a Major then, but I will tell you how it was at the Regionals.
As a newhire in '99 you would fly with a Captain one week and the next week he was gone. Hiring was brisk. Everyone was trying to be a buddy of Cecil Ewing or Playto Rhyne Attrition was high, but for a good reason. Captains were going everywhere. United, Delta, American and Northwest seemed to be the top choices. Others went their "second" choice, places like TWA, Emery, America West, Continental, and if you can believe it Southwest, UPS, and FedEX . We had others go to Polar, North American, Midwest and Midway.
I was JFK based so in 2000 about 20 or so Captains tried their luck at Jetblue. Senior F/O's were headed to Air Tran, National, Vangard, America West,TWA and Tower Air.
Jumpseating was a thing of beauty. Cockpit access on all carriers and First Class seats with movies and meals were common. TWA would offer "Crew Tea" for those in uniform, and somes Captains would tell you to lose the boards and drinks are on me!!! two drink minimum...
After 911 many of the guys I flew with in the right seat were back again, with them in the right seat ....Not too fun but most were just happy to keep a paycheck comming until they could find something better.
Hope this helps shed some light on how it was.
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What was it like Pre-9/11
Attrition was high, but for a good reason. Captains were going everywhere. United, Delta, American and Northwest seemed to be the top choices. Others went their "second" choice, places like TWA, Emery, America West, Continental, and if you can believe it Southwest, UPS, and FedEX 
....Not too fun but most were just happy to keep a paycheck comming until they could find something better.
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