F15Cricket

Thanks for the chance to respond (with no flame or disrespect back). Simple answer, nope. But, to rephrase your question from my perspective, you mean given the fact that someone getting hired by Delta would take a long time to be able to hold LAX or SEA (whereas pretty much every Alaska new hire class has both LAX and SEA slots), the fact that Alaska has huge (probably) indefinite hiring numbers, as well as some great pilots / trips and some of the newest aircraft of any airline ... why would anyone in their right mind downgrade to Delta from Alaska?

Pay scale? Global ops? Long international trips and more money are not the most important things to everyone ... as I've gotten older and just transitioned to the airline gig, I can't imagine flying long-haul flights through numerous time zones on a week plus long trip at age 60. The stats seem to indicate that those who do that, don't live very long once they retire.

In actuality, I know at least three new hires who cancelled their Delta interview once they got hired by Alaska. I also know of one person who had their CJO from Delta withdrawn due to the psych doctor. (I can't understand how the Delta pilot group abdicates that much power!) Anyway, this person was hired by Alaska, which was their first choice anyway.

This place is an awesome company, and good luck to all who are applying.

Packrat

We'll have to cut you some slack since you're a new guy, but what's happening now isn't what historically happens with new hires at AS.

New hire postings to SEA was almost unheard of. Virtually all new hires used to have to do a tour in ANC.

And no airline hiring is indefinite. Back in 1992, the managers were predicting 2000 AS pilots by the year 2000. Then the economy turned and 140 pilots got furlough letters on Christmas Eve. I would have gone from holding an F/O line in SEA to reserve in ANC with half my class on the street.

Things look rosy now and I hope they remain so for you, but never (and I mean NEVER) get too complacent. Things can turn on a dime.

Sputnik

Don't disagree with you in the slightest. However, for accuracy there are DL summer 2014 hires just awarded LAX, and many rumors about Seattle.

F15Cricket

Fair enough ... although reserve in ANC is perfect (for me, at least!).

2loud

Congrats and welcome to the airline world, F15cricket! I remember that euphoria when I was hired-felt like I won the lottery! Compared to active duty, the airline life is pretty darn good IMHO. Enjoy the honeymoon while it lasts. Hopefully crew scheduling won't throw you too many $hit sandwiches.

Packrat

Reserve in ANC is GREAT if you live there. You can't get more than 45 minutes from the airport. Best reserve I ever had was ANC based.

mike734

I remember a time I was walking around the jet in KTN as a new hire and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Good times.

Herman

Good post.

Packrat

Even with 45 G 60 and sea state 3 on the ramp. Loved it!

Wollac

Alaska window question. I submitted my app and resume while the window was open, but just realized I never included a cover letter. Is it too late to go back in and attach it to my resume? Does anyone have an address to use on the cover letter as well as a name to address it to? Thank you!