Originally Posted by MinRest

I keep in close contact with 2 people from my NJA new hire class, as well as several former NJAers that are all at SWA and not a single person has expressed regret, whether they took a pay cut or not. That's not to say that they don't exist, but for those that don't like NJA and have left, none of them have missed NJA that I know. But none of them were wearing rose colored glasses either. There is no such thing as the perfect job.

I applaud NJA for weathering the storm. The Airlines would not be so lucky if it wasn't for the bailouts, there is no argument there. However you are thinking very short term and superficial. You guys just voted in yet another reduction in pilot staffing, and some frivolous upgrades. Lowering the minimum pilots per aircraft required is going to stall hiring and movement for years. The company can add airframes without hiring, and let attrition shave more off the top, further shrinking the pilot group. Now, CA to FO ratios are so lop sided, organic upgrades are still 10 years away. NJA has stacked cash on the backs of the pilot group and this new contract is going to benefit the company much more than the pilot group.

The airlines were hit hard, but most are recovering. We are booking middle seats now, which leaves Delta as the only airline not booking middle seats. Travel demand is recovering, and will continue to recover. Bailout loans will be paid back by most fairly quickly. Projections at AS is that all EILs will be recalled and back on property by May, with hiring resuming close to the same time. We shall see.

I couldn't stand NJA and don't regret leaving one bit. Even if I was furloughed tomorrow I wouldn't regret it. But in the end I want to see all you guys prosper and enjoy NJA, especially if you are making the decision to stay. Nobody wants to see NJA or anyone who works there, fail...