I'm pretty big on integrity. But large corporations will show you none whatsover when the tables are turned. I would not lie to them, but you're certainly not obligated to inform them or resign early... you haven't even 100% committed to resigning, because if the industry hits a black swan you certainly won't.

Based on industry history and my personal experience I wouldn't resign one day earlier than absolutely necessary.



However, and this is a biggy, where would you rather be on 9/12...

1. Almost done with training at career-destination airline A
2. Just starting training at career-destination airline B
3. Unemployed.


1 or 2 are vastly better, because even though you're getting furloughed either way, you have a seniority number and recall rights at a career airline.

If you're on the street, you'll have to wait for all recalls, and then start applying. Are you even current, were you able to land a turbine gig in a downturn? Do you meet whatever their revised competitive mins and identity criteria are, years later? Do you have a recent type training event?

I'd vastly prefer to have a number at a career airline, I'd minimize that airgap to the greatest degree possible.

Frankly I wouldn't resign early just to cash out vacation... that's rolling the dice, odds are in your favor but I know people who've ended up unemployed with no number in a big downturn over a few grand $ (2008 and 2020). I'd talk to the union and understand how much notice you need to give to avoid adverse separation status.

I switched airlines many years ago, and the wife had vacation plans. She wanted me to resign now and take a later class date (about three weeks). I did, but I sure didn't enjoy that vacation much... I dreaded turning on the TV each morning.