Not sure I understand your position... Define commuting is a choice. Then please explain for all us that have been displaced how that displacement became a choice. You have to give up capitol to help commuters? What do you have to give up? Your idea that you bleed more than anyone else is absolute nuts!! I marked the box willing to relocate. Was hired not based where I lived, finally made it to my home and no commute. Life was grand, then a merger and then a 5 year commute ensued. What you see as a choice is just fine if they dont close YOUR domicile or enter another round of mergers. So why would you state your position as an us v them argument?

I'm watching Sheppard Smith "reporting" on the DOJ lawsuit against USAir/AA. He somehow turned it into a rant against Delta for closing the MEM hub.

At least Boyd is there to defend Delta.

I don't like Shep any more.

I think the point is that we as a group either:

a) gave up, or
b) missed out

on some other improvement in order to get a commuter policy that does absolutely nothing for non-commuters.

I see chatter's point. When ALPA starts negotiating for one demographic (commuters) at the expense of another (non-commuters), it gets ugly in a hurry.

I was a little concerned that my tone would be misconstrued.

However, you went into attack mode.

Do you think I am not a mainstream adult or somehow irresponsible with what I say here?

Your response to me initially gave no indication of the reason why you were against (what I consider) a low/ no cost possible improvement. Our commuter policy btw isn't even as good as Compass'.

I did relocate for Delta 3 separate times and am not asking for any sympathy from you or anyone else. I have never missed a trip for inability to commute. That doesn't mean I think our policy is a masterwork of efficiency.

Anyway, go grump at someone else and put me on ignore. I'm pretty sure I'd find a way not to enjoy your company on a layover.

Purple,

I did not see Shep but I am guessing this is part of the blowback from the DAL/NW Merger. Specifically DAL making promises to MEM and MSP that nothing would change and even hinted that MEM may grow and get more international flts.

Scoop

The point I was trying to make is that even within the commuter demographic, there are the mainline vs rj dependent demographic.

This isn't even an issue I would hang my hat on, but my observation is that with 50 percent commuters, if you want to move airplanes those people have to get to work. So which is more expensive not moving airplanes or not having a good commuter solution that works for everyone.

He's also an Ole Miss grad and probably has to fly RJs now.

For crying out loud. How long have you guys been in the airline business?!?

So you are telling me that you agreed to relocate. Wen you check that box, you are giving up your rights to ***** about commuting.

No matter, you are now saying that you cannot hold the former NWA/DAL base to which you relocated when you got hired. While that may apply to you, it most certainly does not apply to all commuters--probably the bottom few in NY or dtw. No matter, because you checked the box that said you were willing to relocate. No matter....for I wasn't the one who said that commuting is a choice, for those few pilots--you know, the newest on the seniority list, it is not a choice. I would imagine that there are VERY few pre merger anybody who can't hold where they want. No matter, we are here to help...
we have a rotation construction committee, who I would imagine is responsible for the continued 5 days trips set up primarily for commuters. We have hotels for qualification training even for ATL based commuters, we have hotels for ATL recurrent, Atlanta residents get a day less pay for recurrent because they are not afforded the day of commuting in either side. We have a commuting policy which is generous, IMO, especially in light that Delta postures to afford the same opportunities for non-contract personnel as contract. Indeed we even negotiated the flight attendant Jumpseat for use by the pilots, and we can't even get some them to use it in order to help OTHER commuters. Front and back end deviation with a proffer of a hotel on both sides, just in case you can't deviate, positive space transportation to your residence instead of back to your base. No matter....

I supported all of this, because I am sympathetic, have had my base closed, gone through a merger, and pretty much think of others before myself.


Now we have guys who want to be able to bid what the can hold and be junior on, to get the rate, AND be able to cherry pick trips from other bases as well--while commuting from their home city; no doubt wanting the opportunity for positive space transportation as well in case it "doesn't look good". They want the ability to not only be held harmless from their chosen place of residence and their home, but to get paid for that as well, or at least positive space to work. I guess once you have 63% of us commuting, your dreams will come true and we will have the ultimate commuting contract.

Of course, not all commuters feel this way, and IMO I think my views are pretty commuter friendly comparatively speaking. Truth be told, I used to care but really don't anymore. More and more in this business it is about what is good for "me" instead of what is good collectively. Everyone thinks their position is especially unique and the world should afford them, and they are right. They are unique, just like everyone else.

My opinion.

yes that's how I do it.

Dude, who peed in your Wheaties?