Originally Posted by
Jetcap37
I actually fly on my own dime to Europe.
But I do enjoy your post, at least you took some time and reflect what most might think but not put down.
I fly for a 135 operator, and have since the early 90's. Unscheduled 135 freight. Decided back in mid nineties I didn't want to work for an airline. Did a little passenger stuff, flew for the marshalls as a contractor (talking about a sweet job). I am not complaining about my pay, which is actually very decent. I work 12 days and am off 9 or 10. Get health, dental, optical, 401(k) and 3 weeks paid vacation.
We might not stay at Hilton's or fly airplanes with a few thousand hours, or FMS but it is honest work and we treat eachother and the customers with respect. My bills are paid and I enjoy my job.
Damn, you gave a good honest answer. But you see, you answered your own dissatisfaction with the majors. Your expectations of your employer is xyz. Now let's say your 12 days on is increased to twenty, your pay is cut by 40%, you have to triple your pay for medical, lose a week of vacation and no matching 401k. You probably have pride in your profession, but the love (or whatever) for your company may be diminished and it can show in your service to your customers. It's hard to equate front line employees with what we do.
It's all a numbers game with service. It's either less pax, better service or more employees, better service. But management has said more pax (re, low fares) less employees, therefore your service is degraded.
I fly ususally with 16 f/a's for around 350 passengers. I promise you, there is not one US carrier flying that many passengers with that many f/a's. The minimum would be 7, but realistically most would fly with 12 or so. Big difference in service with 4 extra f/a's.