Originally Posted by spooldup
This forum is a cesspool of negativity. Most people I fly with are really happy and enjoy it here. But the general consensus is that management sucks (Like every airline out there). If I listened to these forums I wouldn't have come here and I wouldn't be as happy as I am right now.





I can appreciate your great attitude. Seriously. Your perspective is fresh and uplifing.

However, I must mention that it isn't the most "accurate" or helpful perspective. By comparison, your job as a F9 pilot is probably top 10% when compared to ALL jobs. As we all know, there are some pretty crappy jobs out there. But, if you were to compare an F9 pilot job to that of OTHER PILOT JOBS in the US, that percentage falls. There are now regional jobs that pay close to or maybe just as much as our FOs, have the same or better hotels and work rules that are equivalent. Of course, it's all a matter of perspective.

F9 has pretty good (not great but certainly not horrible) schedule flexibility. The reserve rules are OK. The routes are OK, Some of the pairings are great - others, notso. The hotels are above average (they weren't always) and improving. I mean, there are some REALLY NICE things about working as a pilot here. There were many pilots here who compared the existing contract w/ the previous one - and were happy with the gains. There were others that compared the previous contract w/ the EXISTING contracts of other airlines and weren't so happy. Again, perspective.

However, this company will NEVER be industry leading in pay, on time performance, customer service/complaints and many other areas. Barry himself mentioned that if he ever did lead in those categories, that there would be $ left on the table to be made. So, about the only thing we will ever be #1 in - wrt the customers - is the hot chocolate (overheard someone the other day praising it so I tried it myself). This company is certainly more concerned about making money that it is providing a quality product as an airline. So, our focus will always be best in CASM, fuel efficiency, youngest (least problematic) fleet and many other areas that are all great for the company/investors but don't really affect you other than job security.

I'm not posting this to discourage you because I do feel every thread does need balance and you do provide what seems to be the contrary view, but I will say that it is appreciated and necessary. Just keep it 100 about where you work...