Yes, you're on your own for all of your stuff. As a newbie, I'd do the payroll deduct and buy your bag, uniform stuff and shoes from Abbotts. You can do better elsewhere on your headset. You won't need a bag until your observation flights and IOE. Depending on what aircraft you fly, you can always use the Delta supplied Dave Clarks until you figure out what headset works best for you and your jet. The sims also have Dave Clarks so you won't need to dive into that pool until the end of training.

After your initial uniform purchase, you can buy at other venues. I like mypilotstore.com.

The jacket and hat are the biggest challenges. Definitely get those at Abbotts.

M&H or Abbott. I like Crew Outfitters customer service but the uniform is flimsy.

Ecco or Clarke's. Bags I like Travel Pro for lightness. Purdy Neat is good so I can conform!!! (Most Pilots have Purdy, but very heavy). Go for Telex or Plantronics.

YES!

TEN

The hushpuppies loafers that I found in the store in DTW ops are by far my favorite shoes I've ever had, FWIW.

Pretty soon, once you hit AMT, taxes will become very easy:D:D. Unless you own a business, your write-offs will be gobbled up by AMT.

U can pay $50 to get Pro Diem or Sabre to give you your yearly per-diem credits. Collect this data along with your airline expenses (uniform, dryclean, portion of cell phone, etc etc) and your current CPA can do your taxes.

TEN

I am sitting in the pool while working in Europe. Does Delta positive space you to Indoc/training or am I on my own to get to ATL once I get a class date?

From Europe?

Yes but you have to have the jacket modified to remove the Line Officer insignia and replace it with the DAL stripes. It cost around $35 back in 2000.

Scoop

If you go to the Airbus you will not need to buy a headset. They carry the Telex headset on board.

Anyone use the Premier Hat Co version of the hat?

My current employer has multiple hat vendors. Premier did a great job on that hat. What about Delta hats?

What about the buttons?