Originally Posted by
lolwut
For a newhire at AirTran....
1) What is the junior base / aircraft? How much more senior are the others?
2) What are the good and bad aspects to reserve? Anything really good or really bad about it at AirTran?
3) How long have people been on reserve as an FO, typically, until holding a line?
4) Whats a typical reserve's QOL? Fly a lot? Not much at all? How are the trips?
Thanks guys
I left Citrus a few years ago, but since they still don't have a new contract (Zing!), i bet it's pretty much the same, plus the morale down the toilet part. I'll try to answer what I do know.
1) ATL 717 will always be junior. But you'll be a lineholder a bit quicker.
2) Really good part about reserve?? hmm, hmm, can't say much unless you like eating Popeye Chicken in C concourse. Bad part, by far, sitting airport reserve. If you don't live in ATL, moving there will make your QOL much better. Though most of the commuters live in the east coast, and we had a few brave souls that commute in from west coast.
3) Few years ago, holding a line on ATL 717 was just a year, but if you're hired at the beginning of the wave, it may be shorter.
4) Reserve are always doing something. Either you sit airport standby, or you'll be flying a trip. Be expect to work hard at AirTran.
I'll always remember Citrus as a regional on steroid. We work hard, play hard. Crews are nice to each other, and if they get a decent contract, it'll be that much more attractive to stay there as a career. Good luck with your decision.