Everyone is going to advocate for their domicile, especially if they live there or have an easy commute there, but the truth is, its foolish to think that these 5 bases (BOS almost shouldn't be in this discussion because it's so small and only 737) will remain unchanged. Something is going to have to give and it doesn't seem like DCA or NYC make nearly as much sense to give up a foothold in.

 

Maybe all you "everything sucks and the sky is falling" guys could just go to whatever airline you really want to work for!

It would be great to move up a few numbers and get some people who actually believe in this joint to replace you.

I know at least 50 pilots who would love to show up to new hire class right now..... Why not make everyone happy-and get down the road to the "good" airline?

(Not saying things couldn't be better.... But it's a free country-if people hate the joint, there are other hiring! Opportunities abound-and don't let the rusty screen door hit you in your delicate Nancy ass on the way out!!)

 

Unfortunately, many airline pilots suffer from "fragile ego" syndrome that still aren't happy making $150k/year because the other carrier pays $1 more per hour and is one number higher on a wall st journal ranking.

 

Yep-

And I would love to see some of them sitting right next to Capt toolbasket at their "dream" airline.

I can honestly say I get along great with everyone I fly with here. I can't imagine enjoying flying with everyone I have seen from "dream" airline.

I say "get 'er done!"-and get on down the road. Let 'em find out how great "dream" airline really is! No airline is ever perfect-but there are a hell of a lot worse places out there.

 

I posted this because I have the privilege to soon join your ranks. Was just curious what the AA guys and gals thought.

 

Not directed at you....

Just directed at all those guys who keep posting these "airline X is so awesome and we suck" things..

Sure, things aren't perfect-but I really think they are heading in the right direction.... New fleet, new routes, largest airline... It is an exciting time!

There are some haters-and I think they should carry their asses down the street. There are plenty of people who would be happy to take their place!

 

Maybe those people you speak so ill of want this place to succeed but continue to bang our heads against the wall when witnessing how poorly our passengers (aka customers) are treated.

A quick summary of my last Express commute home.

Arrived at gate F## in PHL. Terminal except for the lobby was low end and very cold. Overall impression was dirty. Got to the gate, worn carpet all around, old seats. Even colder. Boarded approximately 60 mins late, with no explanation. When we boarded, aircraft had no APU and there was no ground air hooked up. Outside temp was around 14*F. Waited another 30-40 mins for ground personnel to load our gate checked bags, still no heat on the plane. Pax were shivering even with coats and jackets on. Arrived at destination roughly 1.5 hrs late, however we sat on the ground another 20 mins before a gate (fairly active outstation) opened up. Waited again for gate checked bags another 10-15 mins after depalning.

Oh, and every single announcement from the CA was unreadable, it was extremely broken English with a very thick accent.

I routinely commute on US and DAL. The feeling is completely different when riding on them, even on their Express carriers. Agents actually acknowledge you when walk up. I witnessed a US agent tell a passenger when checking their bag "I'm not asking, I'm telling you". I was speechless. I am routinely floored how horrible our agents treat our customers. I came from a strong CS background when working jobs when I was younger and am just appalled at the lack of care taken for our customers.

My wife travels for work and has stopped fly us, it's gotten so bad. Her coworkers say the same. How many more out there are like that?

 

So what are your thoughts jcountry? What's the future outlook for the company? I'm excited about my opportunity and the future but I know jack about the airline biz. Thanks in advance

 

What do others think? If you hate the company it's validates your thoughts.
If you love the company you're all excited about the award last week for the best XYZ service.

Most people are somewhere in between - ho hum, an award that says we're great and a listing that says we suck. There's seriously more important stuff to worry about, like what's the hydroplaning speed of a tire that falls off your airplane if it lands in a lake??

 

Where are you coming from? Do you have another other offer or irons in the fire?

I personally would look for carriers that you often see mentioned that rank highly as a brand. JetBlue, SWA, Virgin, DAL. For a lot of us regional guys, US Airways was the only 'legacy' who was calling us. To be frank, very few of the guys hired on the Airways side between 2012-2014 were even competitive at the LCC's, they just got lucky with the lottery recruitment system. The type of people AA is hiring is much different than the type of guy Airways hired. I had an offer from another carrier but only after starting class, long term, not sure if I made a good choice. Short term no brainier, but just look at how fast SWA grew in the mid-2000's basically at the expense of US Airways.