Originally Posted by
WHACKMASTER
As for all the AT Cptn. to SW F/O pay cut/pay raise argument and banter, I advise those involved to talk to actual pilots who fit the description and have made the transition.
Funny, I have flown with half a dozen former AT Capts. since they've been making the jump. I've had this discussion with every one of them, since it comes up on the forums so often.
A few are gaming the system, using their rockstar domicile seniority to work an extra 2-3 days per month and making more than they were at AT, even after Gary's raise. The ones who are working more or less the same days are breaking even, plus or minus a little, and the only ones who've taken a pay cut are those that are working less.
On the other side of the cockpit, every former AT FO I've flown with is making a
ton more, working less days than they were at AT, even after Gary's raise.
The ironic part is that unless you were a very senior AT Cptn who is now bidding in the top ten in your base as an FO (top 10, not 10%), it's been a pay cut when doing a comparison of equal number of days worked.
Only those former AT Cptns who can and are seriously able to play the premium time game are making more than they formally did. If you don't believe me then just ask those who've transitioned.
See above.