Originally Posted by
TheManager
They don't need to raise the Base Fare. That, of course would put them on the last page of the all important online fare search websites.
One option is too raise the fees that are collected at then point of purchase much like tax and facility fees.
Knowing that you enjoy pass travel benefits and most likely don't purchase airline tickets, recall the last rental car, hotel room or cruise purchase you made. They all have added on fees for such things as energy consumption, stadiums, facility fees, docking and port charges, & etc.
Why not a modest fee to supplement pilot wages. A fee that is per passenger and less than what they spend per day parking their car at the airport. A fee that is less than what they will spend in line at Starbucks when they transition the terminal. (The hardest part of that is giving it a name that is benign and p.c. I say leave that to the corporate comm. and marketing folks.)
We are living in the 21st century in a connected world that has dramatically reshaped all sorts of business and economics over the past 20 years. We have been deregulated now since the 1970's. Why then do we still cling to the same pay models that were formed when airline travel started?
We need to change and adapt as well.
ALPA could go along way in restoring confidence in themselves if they could solve this problem and offer a solution. I am sure their competion will also be looking at this.
Ok. So while we are discussing this, lets address this one as well. Health care. We as pilots see a doctor once or twice a year. Must of us make good lifestyle choices in order to maintain good health. Not many smokers around anymore unlike my days as a side ways sitting switch monkey. Additionaly, lots of us partake in cardiovascular workouts, eat health and watch our weight.
Now, have you looked around lately and noticed some of our fellow employees? I would venture to guess that if you did a study of health care and pharmaceutical costs per pilot employee vs. other employees, one would see a difference. How significant I don't know.
If given that all of the above is true, then couldn't we:
1. Cover ourselves as a seperately insured group that would conceivably enjoy lower premiums and costs.
2. Administer and facilitate this through our union (whichever it might be).
3. Continue this plan in retirement until the gov't kicks in.
4. Get a credit from the Co. for now having our health care costs removed from their ledger.
Discuss.