It’s not the worst in the world. It’s just that I could be so much better with a teeny bit more of a cost to Air Group. In fact Alaska Air lines with proper reserve staffing and scope would be awesome. Proper reserve staffing would mean:

- reserve wouldn’t be exhausting doubly so for captains
- big QOL improvements for everyone. Trip trades would be possible. Trip drops possible.

A industry standard scope policy would mean a path forward for pilot careers.

It’s not a lot we are asking for. However, Air Group has doubled down on scope and staffing. They tell us that profitability is not possible with a ratio of mainline to regional aircraft. They also claim they can not afford to change the current staffing model.

I hope OTZ Eagle’s prediction that we have a contract by next year is possible. I don’t think it will happen based on the current language from management that was sent out in an email Friday.

It’s why I’m trying my best to leave. I do hope I get at least an interview invite this time. I had over 1000 turbine PIC and leadership position experience, volunteering and job fair all checked off. UA never called but AS did. I’ve never flown less than 800 hours a year at AS since then, even during the pandemic year. So maybe I’ll trigger some computer algorithm this time?

As with all things aviation I with I had a crystal ball to see the future and know what decision is right. I do get paid now more than I did at the regional I came here from. But my QOL is way worse. I’m not looking forward to years of reserve as a captain with worse reserve rules than I had at my regional airline.

I’m not looking forward to giving up 3.5 years of seniority either but I might not even have that opportunity. I have to interview successfully first.


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