It almost seems to me that American's policy purposely pushes us to non-rev other airlines - at least for the first 5 years. It makes commuting downright ridiculous. I would pay about $80 a week round trip on my current commute. With the wages being made by most of the newer folks, that eats away a huge chunk of our income. And while living at base would alleviate that, its not always feasible for everyone to do. I actually get treated much better flying on other carriers than I do the one I work for. An upgrade to first on AA? Not unless you have a super friendly flight attendant up there. Last week they upgraded a Southwest captain to first and left me in coach. I just don't get it.

We had a loophole where we could ask for the Flight Deck Jumpseat and then sit in any empty seat in coach and not pay for it - but that loophole is being closed and those who attempt to use it stand to lose their travel benefits...which for me would pretty much be losing my job as well.

If an airline is going to let any offline pilot non-rev for free, why shouldn't the same be applied for their own pilots? The fees can't possibly be doing anything for their bottom line. And to me it just shows disrespect to your employees to do so. I would be all for a flat fee for unlimited travel, but AA is killing me slowly by a thousand tiny cuts.