Just got the call for the August 6th class. Can't wait to start! Anyone else in that class?

Blutarski,

When did you interview??

June 13th......

Blutarski that was fast...I interviewed the day after you. What are you trying to bid for?

GBU-24....congrats. I'm hoping for the 76ER out of NYC. How about you? You'll prob get your class date soon. I wouldn't be surprised it's 6 Aug.

Ditto on the plane.
My medical stuff is going through right now, so I'm a few days behind.

if thats what you want, then thats what you will probably get. Do you live in the NYC area? If not, you realize you will be commuting to reserve for the next few years. There is a reason the people already here are not taking these slots. However, if you want it, more power to you.

The cool-aid
 

Dude,
You are asking a loaded question among new hires and wannabes with Delta folks monitoring this site. It is not a bad question but... I think I can say this: we have been told there are NO active negotiations for buyout for anyone.

Delta is more concerned with getting pay back up to industry standard for all their employees. In fact, mangement has made a pledge that they will not take a salary raise until this happens. Delta is really sticking with the "take care of your people" attitude which goes back to the original owner's philosophy: "Take care of your employees and they will take care of your customers". Quite refreshing if you ask me. So, there will be no buyouts until the Delta employees recoop their pay cuts to at least industry standard starting with the non-pilot employees. Let's just say the Delta management team has a great plan to take care of Delta and their employees. With a little luck and hard work, Delta will be on top again in a few years if not sooner. I think Delta just got a #2 rating by JD Powers.

So that means, the baggage handler that took a pay cut will be able to recoop some of his/her pay cut soon. If the baggage handler is happy, the bags tend to get where they need to be on time; which in turn means customers are happy with Delta; which means they will continue to fly Delta; which means profitability goes up; which means the Pilots can recoop their pay cuts in 2009 for the contract renegotiation. After all that or while this is going on, they might look at a buyout of someone. At least this is the impression I get. If anyone out there wants to help rebuild a great company, you need to look at Delta, because Delta won't get anywhere without their people. Right now, there is a great core of people rebuilding this Legacy Carrier.

Wow, that was quite the novel. Granted, I just started but I do not regret my decision. I think Delta is here to stay. Obviously, time will tell, but the cool-aid I am drinking tastes pretty good right now!!!:D

G.Dude

Yeah, I live in NJ now. I'm originally from Long Island, and still have lots of friends and family only 20 min from both JFK and LGA. I know the reserve thing would suck, but would it really be a few years? I love international flying....it's what I've been doing for the last 9 years.

yes, I think realistically a new hire getting a 7ER could be on reserve 3-4 years. Every existing 88, 738 and 767 pilot is senior to you and each bid they will be coming in on top of you. I could be wrong, but I would say with almost 100% certainty you will be on reserve for 2+ years.

However, if you live in the NYC area, its no big deal. I don't think reserve is bad at all if you live in base. If you like international flying and live there, by all means go for it. International flying at Delta is like a whole different airline. You'll love it!