Originally Posted by
nunyabiz
So a few questions then:
1. Would you do it again?
2. What drove your decision to make the move?
3. Now that you’ve seen both what specific items do you like better and worse at each?
Not many people get to see both sides of the equation. Everything people know comes from “talking to their bros” not realizing that person is probably looking through rose colored glasses and failing to give the full story.
As my spouse once asked “do you think everyone you talk to is just telling you all the good parts only so that you go there and their seniority goes up as a result?”
1. Yes, however I have yet to see the real benefit from coming here since I left Delta to be based at home in IND. Due to the way new hire classes work you can be stuck in a base and equipment you don’t want for years. There has been zero communication on when the next bid will be so I am just hanging out in Memphis on the 767 for now.
2. See number 1 and also the percentage of widebodies, non bankruptcy era retirement, and vacation benefit.
3. Delta management (outside of Covid times) seems to have a little bit better pulse on what the pilot group wants, FedEx management seems to be content with status quo because we’re heading into a slowdown and they never have a shortage of applicants (this could change if we don’t get on par with the pax carriers). We are now one of the lowest paid first year pilots (not that it is a huge metric to make a decision on for a 30+ year career) but also our widebody pay is quickly falling FAR behind the competition. Our pension (one of the reasons I came here) is eroding faster than ever with some of the highest inflation in 30 years and our B fund is now half of what Delta will have. I enjoyed flying at Delta and the passengers and flight attendants didn’t bother me, that wasn’t a motivating factor to leave (although you will never hear the end of how awesome it is we don’t have to deal with them). Both companies have wide varieties of flying so everyone can find something that they enjoy (with a little seniority). I did not leave Delta because I didn’t enjoy Delta, I left due to what FedEx has to offer for the rest of my career that Delta did not (driving to work). Both great companies and both will afford great lifestyles.
If anyone has specific questions feel free to PM me.