I hope I’m posting this in the correct section. First time poster!
After spending the last 20 years in the AF, I now plan on applying for an airline job. Like most, I do have my preferences in airlines, but as we all know, there is no guarantee of an interview (assuming they are hiring). Last night, I was showing my wife a list of airlines that are currently or will be hiring pilots this year. Two of the airlines on the list were VX and NKS. She asked me about these two airlines because she wasn’t familiar with the companies (understandable, considering they don’t service SAT). I spent some time talking to her about both companies...pay, domiciles, financial earnings, etc. She asked me a lot of questions, which was good for both of us. Her last question(s) caught me off guard and I didn’t have an answer.
If you applied for both and let’s say that they BOTH offered you a job, who would you choose? Since you’d be commuting from SAT, which one makes the most sense considering you wouldn’t know your domicile when accepting the job?
Any inputs? I know there are pros and cons with both companies. I’d like to stick to the pros, if possible. Also, I have no knowledge on commuting other than what my buddies tell me. To me, it seems that NKS would be easier.


Thanks in advance!

 

The odds of you having to make that decision are very slim.

Since none of the domiciles for either airline are near SAT (LAS is closest) I would look at the major hubs (VX: SFO, LAX, JFK) (NKS: DTW, LAS) and check out flight schedules to SAT.

I would guess LAS is the best bet, since it closes and service from multiple airlines

But this is not a dilemma you are likely to actually have, and there may be other factors aside from commuting to consider.

 

If you go to VX you will automatically carry the stigma of joining a non-Union airline whose pilots are undercutting the profession. Consequently, you will be an instant pariah.

 

I'm assuming that's tongue-in-cheek, but if not, all one has to do is point to the pay rates and work rules at UAL and US Airways. If that's the best ALPA can do......

To the OP, do some research into the reality of commuting to reserve. It stinks and will get old in less than a week. You may want to factor in how quickly upgrades occur and planned growth (aircraft deliveries) at a prospective airline. In the end, you spin the wheel and take your chances, but planning for a decent quality of life will take the edge off commuting if you decide you must stay in SAT.

 

I would do some research on both companies. There are forum threads running on both airlines. Try to PM pilots who work for both airlines. Ask questions about QOL, reserve schedules, commuting, pay, upgrade, etc. Is there any chance you would be willing to move? Your QOL will be much better if you lived in base. Filter out comments made my others. In the end, it is your decision to make.

 

Come now... you know FF is NOT tongue in cheek......pretty well known he has a grudge with VX.

 

Thanks for the inputs. HSLD, yeah, I'm not looking forward to reserve and commuting but it comes with the territory.
BTW, I just got my ATP this past week. I did it in a BE-200 simulator since I have prior 90 and 350 time. I think the ride would have been a little easier in a plane. Oh well, it's done and over with now! Now I have everything completed to apply. Sweet!