Originally Posted by RJs2majors

For those of you Alaska die hards, good luck and congrats. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I remember the honeymoon period when I was on cloud 9. Alaska was my #1 choice and I finally landed my dream job. Living in the PNW and driving to work for the first time in my life was a dream come true.
If money, QOL, and schedule isn't important to you, then you've chosen wisely. Alaska does have one awesome pilot and FA group. Besides that, this place is really no better than the regional that I left. Yeah, it pays more but not by much and the schedule (Crew Access) is archaic at best. Trading trips is pretty much nonexistent and the pairings/lines are the worst I've seen in my career. As an example, there are 3 day trips that pay just over 11 hours, which means you'll have to work more days. I can go on and on about scheduling but I'm sure you get the point.
I've been here less than 2 years and I'm on my way out. For me, this place isn't what I have imagined it would be. I understand that managements are ruthless and cut throat but this group.....well, let's just say that they blatantly disrespect the pilot group. I've never seen anything like it, even at the regional level. It breaks my heart but this isn't the same airline I've grown to love. I've never been a fan of the union but this management group most certainly deserves the union that its created.
Lastly, I'm not here to sway people's decision to come/not come here. I know how I was. This was my #1 choice and I really didn't apply anywhere else. It's true. Looking back, that was foolish. The advice I would like to leave for those applying here is to do a lot of research and more importantly, talk to people who work at Alaska Airlines and come to your own conclusions. Don't make the mistake that I've made and only look through the rosy colored glasses. Look at other options and thoroughly evaluate them. As much as I loved flying with these fine ladies and gents, I wasted almost 2 years of my life when I could have accrued my seniority else where, not to mention the lost wages. Many like myself have left here for greener pastures and many more will leave. I know several other FOs who are waiting for a class date at the big 3, FedEx, and UPS. Some of my buddies are holding SEA in less than a year at DAL. I even heard that SEA 75/76 right out of training is a possibility. Food for thought.