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Delta and the future of MSP

Old 12-19-2014, 08:59 PM
  #11  
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You don't move to MSP for seniority. Most people who live in the great snowy north, do so because they want to. Commuting is a choice,RIGHT?!...even if it's 20 years down the road.

If you don't want to commute, move to ATL.
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Old 12-19-2014, 09:06 PM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by WhiteHammer View Post
That's a very good point. Maybe there is nothing to worry about. I just know if I was a a full paying customer and flying out of MSP going international I would take Delta connect to a larger base then on my way. However, if I was going somewhere domestically and could buy a JB ticket for the same price I would do that, or a spirit ticket for half the price ( matters to most people) or a SW ticket for the same price as a delta connection. I would just be concerned committing myself to MSP right now. I just don't see it as a strong base.
I would agree 100% with you 5 years ago.

If you haven't flown Delta lately we have changed. Once they get the Airbus fleet interiors reconfigured and the inflight Delta Studio stuff working, we'll beat anyone on quality of product. Nobody even comes close to our reliability lately. with the DCI product going to all large RJ's in the next few years, things there should get better.
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Old 12-19-2014, 09:09 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Corsair II View Post
If you don't want to commute, move to ATL.
That is the key to a wonderful life at Delta if you are crazy enough to pull that trigger. If you are really crazy, move to NYC and you will never sit reserve, be on a widebody when your freeze is up next year, and upgrade on the 717 in 3 years. Perfect, but you have to be crazy to do that.

Those of us who are not crazy bid LAX, SLC, or SEA and sit reserve as junior guys for a LONG time. (FWIW June 14 hires are in SLC holding lines on the 320 for JAN)
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Old 12-19-2014, 09:13 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by RockyBoy View Post
I would agree 100% with you 5 years ago.

If you haven't flown Delta lately we have changed. Once they get the Airbus fleet interiors reconfigured and the inflight Delta Studio stuff working, we'll beat anyone on quality of product. Nobody even comes close to our reliability lately. with the DCI product going to all large RJ's in the next few years, things there should get better.
Maybe I am just being a pessimist. I hope that MSP can stay a strong base for Delta.
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Old 12-19-2014, 09:18 PM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by WhiteHammer View Post
Maybe I am just being a pessimist. I hope that MSP can stay a strong base for Delta.
I think you are right that it won't be what it is now or ever what it once was. I don't think it will go away, but it will shrink from where it is now.
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Old 12-20-2014, 04:44 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by WhiteHammer View Post
Maybe I am just being a pessimist. I hope that MSP can stay a strong base for Delta.

Minneapolis isn't going anywhere. I've heard it time and time again that MSP has the highest yield of any hub. There are many fortune 500 companies based in the MSP area and Delta has all the corporate contracts locked up.

The international flights are all doing well and there is some consideration on adding a second Paris flight. I think the 777 base would have happened if the used 777's would have panned out. I think that once the pilot sick call / FMLA issues in MSP (long story) are solved, we'll see some very modest growth here. My guess is 1500-2000 pilots.

To answer your question though, the MD88 is the quickest path to MSP.
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Old 12-20-2014, 05:18 AM
  #17  
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Nobody knows what the bases are going to look like. Atlanta is going to be the biggest base and NY will consistently be the quickest base to gain seniority. I agree it will take a year to get to MSP maybe quicker since things are moving along at a good pace now. I personally think you will see a lot of movement after the vacation bid. Senior FO's bidding good vacation weeks to carry with them into 2015-2016 as new captains.

I noticed that guys hired in the first class this year in the 320 got back to MSP quicker than the 88 guys hired in the same class.
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Old 12-20-2014, 06:00 AM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by ghilis101 View Post
Bid the aircraft that gives you the best QOL for your first year in NYC or ATL. You're not going to get MSP before your 1 year seat lock is up, so I suggest 717 or MD88 to get you a line within 4-5 months. Then keep an eye on future AEs and bid whatever airplane then, keeping in mind your subsequent locks are 2 years. Take a look at the most junior pilot in MSP (February 2014) and patiently wait in line. Lots of ex compass folks waiting their turn. If DTW is your next preferred option go a320 or 717 for your first year.
This is the answer the OP is looking for. You won't get MSP your 1st year, so get the best QoL you can until your seat lock expires then figure it out.
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Old 12-20-2014, 06:15 AM
  #19  
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My guess would be whatever SEA needs will be taken mostly from MSP. MSP will probably shrink to its O&D size. I think ATL and DTW will remain the two major connector hubs.
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Old 12-20-2014, 06:59 AM
  #20  
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Ask 6 pilots their opinion, get 9 answers.

Alright, I didn't want to make entire threads about my personal life decisions, like some other posters have done, but I'm planning in a little bit of a vacuum. So I'll go ahead and fill in my personal side of the info.

Me: AF Reserve pilot. DAL new hire.

Goals: Good life in MSP or SEA. Leave the crappy place I currently live in approximately 1 year. I will not stay here much longer than that. Period.

Assumptions: SEA is 3 years away at least, so is off the table given my timeline. That leaves MSP, which I understand is a year away. No problem; going to bid an MSP aircraft and just commute wherever the first year.

Unknowns: Which narrowbody MSP based equipment will offer good opportunities. Also the more nebulous question: how viable in the long term? (Basically my original question.)
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