Accept class date but still interview
 

I wanted to know what some of you think and get some of your advice. Here is the scenario: I interviewed and accepted a class date with a 121 airline (not a regional). Shortly after I was contacted and asked to interview by another 121 outfit that is also at the top of my list. The second airline and their invitation to interview came as a bit of a surprise. Part of me wants to turn down the interview and just stay with airline A because I'm afraid if I interview with the other airline, somehow airline A will find out about it and rescind their written offer. The other part of me says to go ahead and interview so that I have a back up in case airline A cancels class. Of course they'd have to also offer me the job for that to work out. So what do you guys think? Would I be putting my original class date in jeopardy by interviewing with another company in the meantime or is it common practice to do this until the day I set foot on property with airline A? I welcome any advice you may have. Cheers

Go ahead and interview. Class dates can and have been cancelled at the last minute. Been there, done that....

Thanks Packrat, I guess I'm just really worried that a Sim operator or HR recruiter at airline B will know someone at airline A and drop my name or something. I already resigned from my position as a Captain with a 121 and the thought of being unemployed scares the hell out of me. If something were to come up, I could always just tell them I needed to have a back up for peace of mind and to protect myself financially. I wouldn't be lying either, that's the truth! I think you're right, I've heard of classes canceling. I'd really be screwed if that were to happen. It's not like I can tell airline B, "could you guys please wait a week and if this other place folds, then I'll come interview". They'd tell me thanks but no thanks at that point. Anyways, thanks for the quick reply.

I have never heard of an airline rescinding an offer because you interviewed elsewhere. I have also never heard of airlines sharing that kind of info...and for good reason. If A offered you a job, B offered an interview, B told A that you were interviewing, and then A rescinded their job offer you could sue B for the value of your lost career at A.

Airlines would much rather you make the best choice for you BEFORE you start class. If you walk out of class they might hold a grudge.

Go to the interview. You have no practical obligation to A.

Do the interview. If airline A cancels class before you start, you do not work there. I had that happen to me at Northwest.

Here's my scenario...

A little over a year ago, I was employed at airline A and held an upgrade for ORD. When notified of the upgrade, I informed them I had an interview scheduled with airline B and, if offered the job at the interview as rumored, I was going to accept it. Airline A held a grudge and I didn't fly for three weeks.

Airline B had a crew base 45 miles from home and flew airplanes I had lots of experience on as a CA and F/O. Airline A had a base in ORD. I did a ORD commute earlier in my career and didn't like it. Anyway, airline B offered the job at the interview and I took the job. I upgraded in less than a year. Sitting SC reserve at home is substantially better than sitting SC reserve in a crash pad in ORD.

You are not an employee of airline A, so don't be concerned about interviewing at airline B.

If they had to, they would drop you like a hot potato without hesitation. So you owe them nothing at all. Interview with the other airline and if you have an offer from the other one,you can decide what to do next.