brocklee9000

If it makes you feel better, regional pay nearly doubled, and I still went to interviews eagerly and left asap. The money was nice but brief. Didn’t make up for the work rules or bad trips or abusive captain reserve. My huge bank of PTO doubled in value overnight so it was nice to cash that out. I wasn’t around long enough to even think about getting spoiled by the new rates, so that may have made it slightly easier to leave.

I think the novelty wore off quick. When the pay was fresh, same issues and same daily complaints from crew you flew with. Same monthly attrition. None of my friends who are still there have cited the pay as a reason to stay or used it to placate themselves while they wait out a major to invite them to interview or reapply after a TBNT. They don’t mention it, just how they can’t wait to get out. I never once dealt with the typical daily operational B.S. and said “you know what, a month ago I would have been mad but now I’m not because my pay is 185% higher.”

My last pilot group threw away whatever leverage and negotiating capital they had, because they saw dollar signs and the old guys got bumped up to Direct Contribution. Overwhelming majority voted in a pay raise with Zero work rule changes. Work still sucked, attrition was still negative, then they forced upgrades. Shocked_Pikachu.jpeg

Stayontarget

I feel that way when I sell a stock too soon. But that’s a fallacy because it could easily have fallen just as hard the next day. You just don’t know. Same with our industry. Getting that Seniority number faster is more critical and each year you don’t move is another year you missed upgrade and another year you’re not at 12 yr captain pay when closer to retirement. And last I checked, unless you’re getting the wild check airmen pay at regionals, our 12 yr captain pay was still hella better and will be even more so when we get our new contract. You PROBABLY made the right choice even if you intend on leaving for another carrier.

Stayontarget

….And as our union argues a lot because it’s true hourly rates aren’t everything. I averaged $86.98 as my hourly pay rate last year. Pretty dismal looking at first glance. But when you see my gross pay, without retirement, including soft time and premium, my hourly rate came out to $161. And I had 225 days off. All of the major holidays and all the moments with my kids. But ya there is a persistent rumor we have to buy snacks so you know.…pretty awful.

saltbae

Will also have AA flight benefits through JetBlue