Originally Posted by Arctichicken

From one ex-mil to another, I totally understand. Alaska is my first airline and hopefully the last. I’ve been here too long and feel that I’m too old to go elsewhere. With all the negativity aside, this dysfunctional family can work out for you. There are plenty of San Diego folks who make the drive to LAX and SNA. 20+ year retirement and 6th best pay will definitely be better than what Uncle Sam is currently paying you. Take the sentiments on here with a grain of salt. I think most non-mil types are tired of the few mil-type yesmen who ruin it for the rest of us.
It seems like HR loves hiring 40+ year olds for obvious reasons. I’ve been flying with many new “older” FOs as of late. Let’s face it, Alaska is no longer the hot supermodel but a washed up-wrinkled- fat-$5 street corner hooker infested with STD. If you can lower your expectations and embrace the suck, you’ll be fine here. The current culture is very toxic and the management is enforcing DEFCON 1 hostile work environment. The only hope that we have for the future is that the WDs are slowly but surely phasing out and our pilot is growing stronger, thanks to management’s idiotic and amateur retaliation tactics.
Here are my 2 cents: Alaska should be your last choice major/legacy airline. It’s only a step up from a regional in pay rates only. Many other aspects are worse than the reputable regionals. Your QOL will suffer for quite some time since trip trading is pretty much nonexistent. If we ever end up with PBS, it will be even worse. I digress. You’ll fly the line that you are awarded with little to no flexibility. Weekends and holidays will not be in your vocabulary for a while. If you’re on reserve, expect to be jacked around by crew scheduling. I recommend boning up on the contract and learn how to file a grievance.
Sounds like you’re a Navy tacjet guy so you’re probably used to missing time with the family. The best thing (probably the only thing) about Alaska is the pilot group, especially LAX from my limited experience. Wish you the best and choose wisely.