Originally Posted by
ReluctantEskimo
It's understandable that you'd summarily dismiss all that I've mentioned, as they do not compute for you. But yes, culture. It might not be as cool as Virgin, but the echoes of that airline remain. I'm still able to get entire crews out for dinner from time to time. I hear that's not an option at the big 3.
Your claim is 660 pilots changed the culture of the other 2,000? I don't see it. You can also go out with entire crews at the big 3 - from time to time.
Yes, the 737 has the same routes at the big 4. But those routes are divided over many different bases at the big 4. At Alaska, the 737 goes everywhere from everywhere. You can fly to all points in the lower 49 + Latin America from all of our bases. 50+ from SEA or ANC. You will not see that sort of destination diversity from a single base and a single fleet anywhere else.
So how is that a selling point? First, Delta 737s leave SEA and LAX and go throughout their system, including SLC, DTW, ATL. Similarly for SFO UAL 737. Once it leaves, you could be gone east coast and not come back until day 4. Or stick with west coast trips. And how is that a selling point? You can bid just about any airplane at the big 3 and do just about any flying you want to do. This is some serious level kool aid drinking if you think our 737s and routes are somehow special. I'll give you inter-Alaska state flying as being unique. Other than that, you have all the variety you could possibly want at the big 3 on all fleets, including the B737 and the A320 (something we don't have anymore).
And the variety in type of flying on a singular fleet is unparalleled. You want 6 hours 1 and done? We've got it. You want short hops and 1 time zone? We've got it. The big 3 offer very specialized route structures based on the equipment. Here, you can pick and choose.
You can also pick and choose at the big 3 - AND they already have PBS which means they can really nail down the kind of trips/pairings they want. Unlike here! I can't believe I'm reading someone talk up the 737 route structure.
So yes, Alaska has lots of things going for it that could attract newbies. The only thing that is missing to make this place a forever home is the paycheck.
You're not being genuine. I've seen buddies at DL and UA who are doing 737 trips and it's everything. There is nothing special with AS 737 route structure. You could argue ALL our Hawaii flying is on the 737s whereas at the big 3 it is spread between the 737, A321, 757, 767, 777, and 787. But unlike Alaska, the big 3 actually gives them a chance to bid those planes. Selling a single fleet limited to 5 west coast bases over the big 3?
And I am the one who gets accused of being management material.
Sorry, the only conclusion I can draw is you are chalking up a big game about choosing AS over the big 3 in the vain hope of getting Delta money on Sept 1.