Balloon Chaser - another sobering article.

What I have to hope for Delta / NWA is that we emerged from bankruptcy and have been still shrinking. The operation was very lean and tight to begin with. Even as the economy crashes (yes, I now think that is the right word) Delta has been proactively managing capacity in front of the real decline in passenger demand and even in January 09, reported historically high load factors. International is falling off but I'm not sure where the breakeven point is on that flying.

If Delta makes it through 2009 with an overall profit, that is a hugely positive sign in this economy.

I'm not sure what to do. Gold got hammered and my simple plan of shoving money in DECU CD's looks smart for now. It is a horrible whipsaw to lose hundreds of thousands on your portfolio, THEN get hit with inflation. McCain seemed pragmatic in light of what's going on now. I'm again disappointed with Washington.

Megamillions I think is up to $60M tonight.

Just FWIW. ;)

also, can we bring the 737-200s back as our answer to the 100 seater need? :D

Quick question. I am being displaced to the MD88, training starts March 20. Do I just bid for reserve in the ER like usual for March or what?

In a word, YES.

If you need the hotel room, don't forget to ask.

So they are not required to give you any number of days off before training? Just trying to figure out how I should bid. Thanks.

No, I flew Sunday afternoon and went to class Monday morning. Since you are not "flying" they do not even have to honor reset requirements, although obviously they will work with you. Everyone wants a good outcome.

I'm also going on March 20. Were you in the March 17 08 new hire class?

I'm trying to figure out how much I will get payed while I'm in training. If I am reading the contract right I will get payed a prorated portion of the ALV while I'm in training. If the average line value is 72 and March is a 30 day month the value per day is 2.4 hours. If I have 19 days of training scheduled does that mean I only make 45.6 hours during March?

45.6 hours of pay with only 11 days off for the month seems low to me?

What are the min day credit, duty and trip rigs at Delta?

Adolphus:
No, you will be paid like you are on reserve. The training pay will offset the reserve guarantee during the days you are in training. After training you will be "on reserve" for your OE. Once the OE is complete you will have the option to be on reserve for the remainder of that month or have a line with no trips, but able to white slip. You will not be paid less than the reserve guarantee for any month while training unless you select the regular line option and don't pick up any trips.