T;

I'll agree, we do need more 777s.

UAL has combined their pay in a banded system 747, 777, 787, 764. Not exactly a seniority based system, but probably close. However, if all you want to do is fly narrowbodies for max pay, your arch-nemesis kitty sacrificers comes to mind.

FTB;

I understand how it got that way, I don't understand why it is still that way.

So putting the methodology aside for a moment. You believe that having the biggest airplane pay more is the best way to go? Really? You must be a) young, and b) senior.

We need more 777s if we are going to maintain the same pay methodology in order to get more people more money by the time they retire. That is what it is all about. But the inconvenient truth is that DAL management makes those decisions. All on their own. With ZERO input from us. Draw your own conclusions about where things will go, but to me, it ain't rocket surgery.

UAl is taking the first step. and IMHO, it is the right one. I would LOVE to see a new hire career earnings projection based on retirements and current fleets.... It will be eye watering.

You are right, we dont make the fleet choices. However, when I see multiple UAL 747s parked at a place we fly one 777 to because (theoretically) that is all the traffic the destination will bear, I feel like they are either losing their butts or we are under-serving...I don't know which is more true, probably both and maybe neither.

The inflexibility of a big fleet of widebodies is either a cash cow when times are good or a money pit when they aren't. I honestly can't make a judgement on which is the best overall fleet plan. I can tell you what I want, but that is not necessarily best for corporate health.

At this point, like you, I'm married to DAL come what may. I was at the other place and progression was rapid until it wasn't. When I left, I could hold 737A or 777B. If I had stayed there, there was a point when I could have held neither.

As to the pay banding, longevity pay, or other schemes, I'm just not sold on decoupling pay for productivity. The 747 IMO should pay more than the 777. I'm not convinced the 777 should pay more than all 330's. FTB has already touched on the stupidity of our narrowbody pay discrepancies.

Retirement planning in the hands of the individual is also a mixed bag. Some folks are good with it, others don't understand how to plan for it. Its a tragedy in the classic sense.

Well the MEC just put out a memo confirming that dividend deduction comes after our profit sharing is calculated, so that's a good thing.

Any bets on Caplinger putting out a 10 paragraph long rant in a week or so on how the dividends are going to take more from our profit sharing? I've gotten to the point now where I'm almost giddy opening his emails.

Yeah, but good thing there's a fancy rest area which allows you to sit and watch movies before you have to land the plane.

I can't argue your logic vis-a-vis having a lot of big airplanes when times are good etc etc... THAT is management's job to sort out. And so far, our team has done a great job. As far as decoupling pay, I am sure nothing I can say is gonna change your mind, and frankly I am growing weary of trying. (although I am not gonna stop whenever the opportunity to say I told you so presents itself) I have had a fairly fortunate career. I am sitting in my retirement seat and I will be 53 this summer. I couldn't care less about the 747/777/330... well maybe I will go fly the 2x4 someday.. but that's it. So my point is that I have no dog in the fight other than leaving a better career than I found. We can still make sure that the Ninjas like Carl continue to benefit all alone, and that those like him that happened to be in the right place at the right time are handsomely rewarded... or.. we can pursue alternate methodologies. Either way, doesn't affect me one way or the other. I just think it is a shame that misplaced greed (and that is what it boils down to) takes precedence over what would be better for the group going forward.

Caplinger still around?

I'll be sure to remember that bolded part next time we're negotiating a TA.

(FYI I agree with your statement)