Originally Posted by Wynncore

For those of you applying to and chasing Alaska Airlines (or Virgin America) know that this is a well ran company with a bright future ahead of it. Additionally, it is a great place to work and is staffed with outstanding people in all departments, especially flight operations. As many of you see from the posts above a lot of people are very frustrated and annoyed with the direction that our negotiations have taken. While many have very valid points and their anger is certainly justified (even I am perturbed by what is going on) do know that emotions are high and nerves are raw and some have allowed their emotions affect the way they perceive the situation at hand. Ultimately, this will be settled by October and the odds of us capturing the raises, retirement and scope protection we rightfully deserve are strong. If Alaska is where you want to be keep applying and keep networking and don't be dissuaded by the people who'll never be happy regardless of where they are. Life here at AS is far better than that of a regional and your time spent here if you choose to come will not be a waste.

Originally Posted by RJs2majors

For those of you Alaska die hards, good luck and congrats. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I remember the honeymoon period when I was on cloud 9. Alaska was my #1 choice and I finally landed my dream job. Living in the PNW and driving to work for the first time in my life was a dream come true.
If money, QOL, and schedule isn't important to you, then you've chosen wisely. Alaska does have one awesome pilot and FA group. Besides that, this place is really no better than the regional that I left. Yeah, it pays more but not by much and the schedule (Crew Access) is archaic at best. Trading trips is pretty much nonexistent and the pairings/lines are the worst I've seen in my career. As an example, there are 3 day trips that pay just over 11 hours, which means you'll have to work more days. I can go on and on about scheduling but I'm sure you get the point.
I've been here less than 2 years and I'm on my way out. For me, this place isn't what I have imagined it would be. I understand that managements are ruthless and cut throat but this group.....well, let's just say that they blatantly disrespect the pilot group. I've never seen anything like it, even at the regional level. It breaks my heart but this isn't the same airline I've grown to love. I've never been a fan of the union but this management group most certainly deserves the union that its created.
Lastly, I'm not here to sway people's decision to come/not come here. I know how I was. This was my #1 choice and I really didn't apply anywhere else. It's true. Looking back, that was foolish. The advice I would like to leave for those applying here is to do a lot of research and more importantly, talk to people who work at Alaska Airlines and come to your own conclusions. Don't make the mistake that I've made and only look through the rosy colored glasses. Look at other options and thoroughly evaluate them. As much as I loved flying with these fine ladies and gents, I wasted almost 2 years of my life when I could have accrued my seniority else where, not to mention the lost wages. Many like myself have left here for greener pastures and many more will leave. I know several other FOs who are waiting for a class date at the big 3, FedEx, and UPS. Some of my buddies are holding SEA in less than a year at DAL. I even heard that SEA 75/76 right out of training is a possibility. Food for thought.

Originally Posted by Mudhen200

This is one of the best posts I have ever seen on this board. If you want to work for Alaska please read and understand the above.
I have nearly 18 years here now. 12 more to go to age 60 and I'll punch out. The other day it stuck me - if we got bought by Delta, my life would get immeasurably better.
I am the "18 years later" version of the man who posted the above. My quality of life, my pay, my schedule will never be a fraction of what it would have been at Delta, United, American or Southwest. Just know that. Listen and learn and then make your choice.

Originally Posted by full of luv

If your not in it for the money than you won't be disappointed, in fact I would stop reading any forums and just enjoy whatever the arbitrator/company gives you.
To rant, just because you landed at Alaska doesn't mean you can't still look and examine your options. Everyone has a host of consideration to consider when deciding is staying put is woth the risk at taking another opportunity.
But really if you'd absolutely never consider leaving no matter what, then I'd stay off the forums.

Originally Posted by Wynncore

For those of you applying to and chasing Alaska Airlines (or Virgin America) ..... don't be dissuaded by the people who'll never be happy regardless of where they are.

Originally Posted by GearBoy

Wynncore,

I do not think that the comments posted in this thread are from people who will never be happy anywhere. To say so is an attempt to dismiss them, discredit them and their advice. If they feel that they made a mistake and want to share, whatever their motivation, it's their perogative. They have a right to their educated opinion as do you. It's up to the reader to sort through both sides and hopefully form an educated opinion.

I liken Alaska pilots to the story of boiling frogs alive. If you turn the heat up, little by little, the frogs will never leave the pot.

Well, Alaska management has been ratcheting up the flame slowly for years. You guys and gals are all getting cooked alive. You won't truly realize how good others have it until you leave the pot and look back.

And there's also Stockholm Syndrome...


In the end, everyone votes with their feet. Don't fault them for leaving the pot or complaining about the heat until they do.
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Originally Posted by Wynncore

I'm not faulting anyone or dismissing their view points, many of which are valid (you conveniently left that part of my statement out of your post). My point is that in these times when emotions are high and everyone is on edge people seem to be blowing off steam in the form of posts portraying a situation that isn't as bad as they think it is. I'm not necessarily disagreeing with anyone, I'm just offering a counter point to the "piling on" and "shock posts" that several people in particular like to write.

If in October a deal is made that satisfies the conditions that this pilot group so rightfully deserves all of the complaining and rhetoric akin to frog boiling will immediately stop and in 3-4 years when the big 3 have contract talks the exact same rhetoric will be said there.

If you found that AS wasn't what you thought it would be an you've either done something about it or are doing something about it good for you, but don't come on here and portray the company as something its not or subtly shame people who are working here or would like to work here. You're only embarrassing yourself and insulting their hard work and efforts.

Originally Posted by Riverside

I wanna hear what ShyGuy has to say