Do you think we'll beat the street estimates?


I'd like to think you're right, but I think we'd need to see the demographics of the pirp to see how many were ANC.

Separate question about SOC (my apologies if it's been asked/answered along during the 10,000 posts on this thread...): What about the F/A integration process? Does it have the potential to delay SOC?

I ask because I haven't heard that a vote has been called by the AFA. I don't know the reason for this, nor do I know whether they're afraid of the outcome. Regardless, it's not clear to me whether the lack of integration behind the cockpit door delays SOC, or not.

Anyone with a clue on this matter?

It really does not matter in the long run. The people may be locked in this position, but when a new one opens up in a few months they will be able to bid that to. We are pilots and will find away around anything to get what we want.
Fact is that dragging our feet will only buy us six months at best.

I am sure that DAL can convince the FAA to sign off on SOC with out a list. They would just build separate parings for them until they merged. Problem for the company is that the NWA folks would get a lot more, and the DAL FA's will get hosed. Kind of like what is happening to our Gate Agents all over the system.
If you think you have it bad, go talk to some of these people. I think how they are getting treated is totally unfair. TPA for an example.

Once we were declared us a single transportation system, the clock started ticking on the other unions. They have to call an election at some point soon, I forget when. They are probably holding out for the card check bill to see if it passes.

Must be a super reenforced kickstand! :eek: :D

OK, so you're saying we would fly with a full F/A crew from either pre-merger group. Seems to be the likely outcome, but I wonder whether the N contracts might prevent this. I don't think our own contract would allow the company to have two groups operating flights without a specific agreement. Seems to me they would have similar language. Not language that could stop a merger, but language that would prevent parallel operations. Can you enquire further to confirm your interpretation is correct?

Also, can you please expand on your statement about DAL F/A's getting hosed (or the agents, for that matter)? Couldn't they simply keep F/A pairings linked to the aircraft, just the way they are now? Seems like the company wouldn't want to guarantee AFA votes with any "hosing".

AFA is dragging their feet on a vote because there are attempts in congress to repeal or change methods used to count votes in a union election. The current rules require 50 Percent plus one of the total of all flight attendants to vote for a union. The rule may change to 50 percent plus one of the total ballots cast. There is also another attempt to have a union certified based on the number of union cards submitted without a actual vote. Both of these changes would be very favorable to AFA hence the feet dragging.

OK, thanks Sailing and Alfaromeo. I Googled the Card Check Bill, and I can see how AFA would prefer it. I'm going to assume it doesn't get done before the summer recess, and I'm trying to research how much time they actually will have to call a vote. If anyone knows the answer, please jump in.

As the ultimate "hodge-podge" thread of all things Delta, I thought I'd throw out a reading recommendation (see end of post for "deets"). While most of this thread, and APC in general likes to gaze into the crystal ball on the micro, short-term level, this particular book examines life in the not-too distant future of inevitable higher gas prices.

One whole chapter is devoted to the future of the airlines, and I'll summarize by saying, it isn't pretty. At $8/gallon (yes, that's gallon, not barrel), US airlines are pretty much toast. Permanently.

It's a fascinating read, and while the author doesn't say "when", the general feeling is that it is certainly within our lifetimes, and probably within a decade. Specific airlines in order of probable failure are cited, along with a couple of likely candidates who will survive in an airline market that is much, much reduced.

While I highly recommend anyone who's interested head off to the bookstore or library and at least read the chapter on airlines, there's a highly simplified summary here: Twenty Dollars Per Gallon - Forbes.com (follow this link then follow the link to "empty skies")

Whether it's 5, 10, or 20 years, I think his conclusions about airlines are essentially correct (who the ultimate survivors are are debatable, but SWA is probably a decent bet). As for me, I'm not making any long term plans based on a future in the airlines (though I'll certainly savor it while I can)




$20 Per Gallon: How the Inevitable Rise in the Price of Gasoline Will Change Our Lives for the Better by Christopher Steiner