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Jetblue vs Spirit

Old 08-02-2014, 04:58 PM
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Default Jetblue vs Spirit

I'd like to hear some opinions on Jetblue vs Spirit for a career destination (if you had the offer from both). For me, both have Domiciles that work. FLL, LAS, or LGB. I have lived in all 3 and could be happy in any of those.. So long as they stay open. Preferably FLL due to the taxes and much lower cost of living than CA. I want nothing to do with the North East anymore, at least not long term.

We all know the pay rates. Those are posted. Jetblue 320 hourly pay is quite a bit higher, especially on the FO side, (for now).. Yet the Spirit Upgrade will probably be quicker with so much growth (currently).

I'd like to see comparisons of QOL/reserve/soft pay/medical/movement/retirements/merger potential/long term stability predictions.. etc

From riding jumpseats it seems you would be treated better at Jetblue.. And I like the product and excellent customer service. Yet the Spirit model makes money.. And will probably continue to make money due to the Walmart mentality and never ending supply of cheapskates. I don't particularly like the way they do things or treat passengers but their model makes money, no argument there.. And in the end I do want stability.

Just wondering what you guys think..
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Old 08-02-2014, 05:34 PM
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Originally Posted by RyanP View Post
I'd like to hear some opinions on Jetblue vs Spirit for a career destination (if you had the offer from both). For me, both have Domiciles that work. FLL, LAS, or LGB. I have lived in all 3 and could be happy in any of those.. So long as they stay open. Preferably FLL due to the taxes and much lower cost of living than CA. I want nothing to do with the North East anymore, at least not long term.

We all know the pay rates. Those are posted. Jetblue 320 hourly pay is quite a bit higher, especially on the FO side, (for now).. Yet the Spirit Upgrade will probably be quicker with so much growth (currently).

I'd like to see comparisons of QOL/reserve/soft pay/medical/movement/retirements/merger potential/long term stability predictions.. etc

From riding jumpseats it seems you would be treated better at Jetblue.. And I like the product and excellent customer service. Yet the Spirit model makes money.. And will probably continue to make money due to the Walmart mentality and never ending supply of cheapskates. I don't particularly like the way they do things or treat passengers but their model makes money, no argument there.. And in the end I do want stability.

Just wondering what you guys think..
This is APC: Delta Air Lines is the only correct answer.
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Old 08-02-2014, 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by ManFlex View Post
This is APC: Delta Air Lines is the only correct answer.

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Old 08-02-2014, 05:56 PM
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Good thread. Having some ideas of my own about this topic, I am also curious to read the opinions.
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Old 08-02-2014, 05:59 PM
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I don't particularly like the way they do things or treat passengers but their model makes money, no argument there.. And in the end I do want stability.
If the way Spirit does things bothers you, best to cross it off your list.

Spirit is a ULCC. There will never be certain things that you will see at other carriers, not talking about contract items but general things. I agree that customer service needs work; but if you can't get 100% behind cramped seats, $3 water, $100 carry on bags at the gate, and crew meals consisting of Pringles and M&Ms, best look elsewhere.
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Old 08-02-2014, 06:26 PM
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Both companies make and have made money consistently for a number of quarters, if not years/decade. They are relatively conservative as far as growth, maybe not so much as SWA, but their business model works. Based on past comparisons, it is unlikely that they will morph into the next major airline. However, they are both ripe for buyout/merger.

Pick either. Your future would be relatively secure (for an airline, anyway). If you've learned anything from these threads, never choose a long term place of employment based on bases/pay rates in 15 years/etc.
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Old 08-02-2014, 06:35 PM
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I'm thinking of working at Spirit so I am glad this was brought up. How long is the spirit upgrade? I've heard the JB 320 upgrade is 12 yrs if you get hired today. I'm thinking you will make more career earnings at spirit. Peace.
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Old 08-02-2014, 06:43 PM
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NK upgrade running about 2.5 years give or take a few months.

For how long?, well we have about 60 ac, planing on 140 by 2021 or so...(15 pilots per ac). As of now. All schedule deliveries on the NK site, investors relations.
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Old 08-02-2014, 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by The Juice View Post
If the way Spirit does things bothers you, best to cross it off your list.

Spirit is a ULCC. There will never be certain things that you will see at other carriers, not talking about contract items but general things. I agree that customer service needs work; but if you can't get 100% behind cramped seats, $3 water, $100 carry on bags at the gate, and crew meals consisting of Pringles and M&Ms, best look elsewhere.
Thanks for the input.

I'm not saying I couldn't deal with it. I think everyone would "prefer" working for a company that treated customers well and got rave reviews for good service all while making huge profits. Obviously that isn't reality though. I work for an airline now that treats people like total crap and has atrocious customer service. It's frustrating and quite embarrassing at times but I still work here.

In the end.. Good Service is a "preference". The only thing that REALLY matters though to most of us is QOL/time off/stability/and a good pay check. This is why I am asking the people that work there..
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Old 08-02-2014, 06:58 PM
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NK upgrade running about 2.5 years give or take a few months.

For how long?, well we have about 60 ac, planing on 140 by 2021 or so...(15 pilots per ac). As of now. All schedule deliveries on the NK site, investors relations.
Yup.

Rough math. 143 aircraft planned by year end 2021. 15 pilots per plane is 2145 pilots. Assume 55/45 CA/FO mix so 1180 captains aprox.

Over the next 7 years, few retirements. Guess retirements and early leaves to call for 120. So that's 1300. Last new hire class takes us close to 1100 pilots. Rough math would suggest there is about a year left to get in on an upgrade prior to 2021.
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