Coors,
I have read thru all of your points and I wand you to understand that 1.) I do know about the DAL commuter/call in honest policy, and 2.) I am fully capable of seeing issues from both sides.
But, I wonder if you even see where your argument is going? Your main point seems to be that a pilot who is senior and going on vacation with his family shouldn't be bumped by a more junior pilot who is going to work. Ok. I understand that traveling with the family while on vacation can be very hectic. But, I also understand that when I do travel for vacation I am more flexible than when I am traveling to work. I can leave a day earlier to make it to my vacation wonderland or heaven forbid take the early morning flight. At Northwest, we even have special higher priority passes for vacation travelers-- vacation passes (16 per year).
On the other hand, the pilot is commuting to work has to do so 3-4 times a month. Most times he/she will try to do so the same day so as to avoid hotel costs and expenses and to get that extra family time (you know, see the kids so they remember who you are; help the spouse around the house; and just plain relax). That pilot does not have the same flexibility as the vacationing pilot. He has to be in base for check-in at a certian time. While he can leave early, that is not desireable. Think safety. A well rested pilot is a safer pilot.
Another point to be made is the obvious one. When a pilot can't get to work, that same vacationing pilot with his family may get stuck in their tracks because they don't have a pilot.
Dude, I know you know all of this and I know that DAL has a call in honest policy of sorts. But, from all accounts, the NWA policy is better. Can't you just admit it and move on? All NWA stuff is not bad and all DAL stuff is not good.
Let me help you along by making an admission. At first, I thought the DAL uniforms were a little strange and outdated. I mean come on, double breasted jackets went out in the 70's. When I went in for my fitting, a called it a straight jacket because it just didn't feel right. But, now that I look at them, they present a professional image and I am starting to like them.
The DAL uniform may be better then the NWA uniform, ok? I was wrong and I embrace the change. (Even the hat)
So come on Coors, join me. Just admit the NWA call in honest policy is better for everyone (even the senior pilot vacationer and has family) and move on. This discussion does not have to be that complicated.
New K Now