Originally Posted by acl65pilot (Post 1005179)

I know a lot of pilots that want in to ATL that cannot get in on the jet they want. Moving a large WB would allow these guys to VD or MD in to the jets of their choice.

Simply put, 330 moves here, 330 MSP guys MD's down to the ER, senior ER guy VD's to the ER or 765 in ATL where they previously could not have bid in to that position.

Originally Posted by Red Five (Post 1005309)

What'll happen to us junior MSP 88B guys??? DTW should be an easy commute if I get an MD... right???

Originally Posted by Check Essential (Post 1005188)

Just heard a rumor that the number of pilots taking the early out might be large.

Age 60+ guys are figuring out that it would be plain dumb not to take the money.

Originally Posted by MoonShot (Post 1005312)

They ought to have a counter on the DAL ALPA site that tallies up the number of folks that put their papers in (if they are even privy to the info). Sure would beat the DAL stock quote.

What kind of things are you hearing? Even some of the older NW guys that I have talked to (very late 50's) haven't shown much interest.

Originally Posted by Flying Monkey (Post 1005314)

I'm not thinking there will be many takers. Got a different perspective last week. We had a super senior WB captain from up north on the jumpseat. I had to ask, and his response was "No way". It seemed to be less about the money than the enjoyment of seniority. He can break up his vacation, and only fly one four day a month for four months a year. With sick time......

If these guys are still enjoying seeing Europe, Asia, or wherever they're getting their jollies, they aint goin' anywhere, much to our disappointment.

Originally Posted by Whidbey (Post 1005263)

I can see BB's point. Complaining is one thing, and I've been a champion at it... but I'm not sure I'd want to be seen complaining about a nationally known business on a public forum. I bet this has received the play it has because it's so popular to bash airlines these days.

The government SHOULD handle this stuff via direct bill... but instead they force guys to give Uncle Sam an interest free loan, to be repaid when (and if) their unit sees fit. This isn't bad on Delta, it's bad on the gov.

Every time you travel or execute a set of TAD orders, you pay out of pocket (or put it on the gov. travel card, which counts against your personal credit) and hope you get reimbursed. That policy should be an embarrassment to our government. It's funny, when I'm on a trip with Delta and check in to a hotel, and all I have to do is sign my name (and not pay out of pocket) it fees like a treat!

Shouldn't the real question here be: Why do these guys have ANYTHING to do with the financial transactions necessary to get home from a combat zone?

I can't complain too bad, but I have a number of Marine buddies who on multiple occasions were forced to fund sets of TAD orders for two and three week training evolutions... so they paid BOQ or hotel, food, etc. and were never reimbursed for lodging or per diem. Absolutely criminal.

My old man got activated for OIF in 2003. He was an Army Reserve JAG guy. He said he spent a good percentage of his time contacting service member's creditors asking them for patience, as many of the troops who had purchased plane tickets, etc. to execute orders were not getting reimbursed and could not pay their bills. UFB.

Originally Posted by TANSTAAFL (Post 1004981)

A) They can offer PS and Hotels if they don't get enough DGS and IP's to take a job in ATL.

Originally Posted by Whidbey (Post 1005263)

I can see BB's point. Complaining is one thing, and I've been a champion at it... but I'm not sure I'd want to be seen complaining about a nationally known business on a public forum. I bet this has received the play it has because it's so popular to bash airlines these days.

The government SHOULD handle this stuff via direct bill... but instead they force guys to give Uncle Sam an interest free loan, to be repaid when (and if) their unit sees fit. This isn't bad on Delta, it's bad on the gov.

Every time you travel or execute a set of TAD orders, you pay out of pocket (or put it on the gov. travel card, which counts against your personal credit) and hope you get reimbursed. That policy should be an embarrassment to our government. It's funny, when I'm on a trip with Delta and check in to a hotel, and all I have to do is sign my name (and not pay out of pocket) it fees like a treat!

Shouldn't the real question here be: Why do these guys have ANYTHING to do with the financial transactions necessary to get home from a combat zone?

I can't complain too bad, but I have a number of Marine buddies who on multiple occasions were forced to fund sets of TAD orders for two and three week training evolutions... so they paid BOQ or hotel, food, etc. and were never reimbursed for lodging or per diem. Absolutely criminal.

My old man got activated for OIF in 2003. He was an Army Reserve JAG guy. He said he spent a good percentage of his time contacting service member's creditors asking them for patience, as many of the troops who had purchased plane tickets, etc. to execute orders were not getting reimbursed and could not pay their bills. UFB.