jetBlue or Frontier
I know this is a trend lately here on APC and I hate to ask a similar question but I would really appreciate some honest input. I have a face to face interview scheduled with B6 next month and I also have a Pathway Program through my current employer to Frontier. I'm really having a hard time deciding which route would be the best fit for me and my family.
A little of my background info:
I worked for regional "A" for 11 years, 10 of those as Captain on the CRJ. I commuted the entire time from FL to various bases. I patiently waited for a call from a carrier with FL bases but never had any luck and eventually made the decision to leave there and work at regional "B" which has several bases in FL. Although I took a pay cut I am much happier as is my family now that I'm home most nights and no longer have to suffer the torture that is involved in commuting. I'm 46 years old and at this point in my life don't think I'll be a good fit for a legacy (will hit 65 before I hold any seniority) nor am I competitive as I haven't finished my BS degree. Also, all legacies aside from AA would require me to commute again. Moving out of the state is not an option for me as most of my family is here in FL and I have established a life here for myself and my children. I don't think AA will be calling me any time soon for a MIA position.
Having said that, my current employer has a Pathway Program to Frontier that I will most likely be eligible to use before the end of the year. I'm having a hard time going back and forth between the opportunities between F9 and B6. Granted, I have not been hired by B6 yet but if it comes down to a choice it will be very difficult for me to make.
The positives of B6 are that I feel it is a more established company and I think the work rules are probably much better there. They do have FLL and MCO domiciles. And, the pay scales on the AirBus are higher at B6 as well.
The drawbacks are that I will most likely be assigned the 190 in BOS or JFK. Now I'm back to commuting. It seems to me from what I gather on these forums that for me to be able to hold a Florida base it could take some time. Then, there is the issue of being able to move up to the AirBus. That again would most likely require me to again commute to the NE. Lastly, it seems that upgrade time on either airframe could take a significant amount of time, especially in a FL base. So, it seems to me that I could potentially be commuting for years to be able to progress up the pay scale.
The benefits to Frontier are that I would be able to hold MCO relatively quickly and upgrades are currently running around 3 years. I have done the math calculations and it seems that my income earning potential and QOL would be much greater at F9. Although things have been rocky there recently and there are question marks as to the future of the company, it seems as though with their projected growth I would be able to gain seniority rather quickly.
The drawbacks to F9 are that they have a substandard contract and work rules and that it seems to be a bit of a mess over there with Indigo running the show. However, I'm optimistic that they will follow in the footsteps of Spirit and even B6 and eventually be a stable company.
My questions to you all is what do you realistically think my progression would be if I were hired at B6. What airframe am I likely to be hired into? How long would I have to commute before being able to hold a FL base? What time frame am I looking at to be able to both move up to the AirBus and how long before I could upgrade on either A/C in Florida?
Also, would I be able to pick up extra work or trade trips out of FLL or MCO even if I'm based in BOS/JFK?
I've had several pilot friends tell me I'm crazy for even considering F9 over B6, but everyone's situation is different. If I were young and single it probably wouldn't even be a question.
I've also been pursuing Spirit but it seems they have all but stopped hiring for the near future.
Please give me your honest opinion and try to refrain from turning this into a negative thread. Ultimately it will be up to me but I would love some insight as to what I may be looking at whichever path I choose.
Thanks!