Originally Posted by
Roadking
Looking for some helpful nuggets on Continental as things currently stand. I know they're hiring like gangbusters and I hear upgrades are happening fast.
Other than that, looking for scoop on the lifestyle in general. I'd be trying to commute from South Texas and I assume I'd start flying something out of Newark and perhaps someday be home-based.
Any opinions on all topics would be great: commuting ups/downs, pay outlook, crash-pad lifestyle, typical new-hire schedule, various side-benefits, typical aircraft assignments, you name it...
BTW: Not looking to start a comparison-war between airlines here. That's a whole different topic that could go all night and drain 3 kegs. Just any and all opinions on Continental as things stand today. Thanks!
Most start in EWR in the 737 with some 757/767. EWR is more junior than IAH, so if you want IAH you may have to wait a few months. Plus, you will not move up as fast in IAH while people with about 3 years seniority can hold 737 Captain in EWR.
Commuting sucks. The flights are full (jumpseats too) and you lose a lot of time doing it. First year pay is low, but that's true everywhere (CAL is one of the lowest though). CAL is working on a new contract, but that may take another two years to see any more pay. You will not have any medical coverage for 6 months. Crashpads suck too, but you can find better ones. There are a lot in EWR to choose from, since no one actually lives there. It's like a college dorm, which can be good or bad depending on what you like. There are crashpads with your own room, but they are few and expensive. You will start on reserve and need to be within 2 hours of the airport (there is another option with 9 hours). If you are on the 757, you will do about 95% international (mostly the U.K. as a reserve). You can put in for a transfer to IAH and you'll get it as soon as they need you there. You may be on reserve there while able to hold a line in EWR. If you want IAH, bid the 737. You won't see it any time soon if you are on the 757.
PBS is hated by most pilots (I actually do OK with it). There are many SCABS at CAL (a few hundred). The bases suck: Cleveland, Newark, and Houston. Three of the worst cities in America. Yea. The flying out of Newark is great, you just don't want to live near it. Many live down the Jersey shore, upstate NY, and Eastern PA. A 1.5 hour drive beats commuting any day. Overall the pay will go up, the movement is great, and there are lots of planes coming. I like it here, but I haven't worked for any other major, so I'm comparing it to my regional experience.
Good luck.