Is F9 worth it over YX?
01-27-2024, 06:51 PM
#12
Almost there
Joined APC: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,094
Originally Posted by BuckleUp
Currently at YX and am in the hiring pool for F9 and have been for awhile now (many months). I know the general advice is to get out of the regionals asap, but considering opinions on if it truly is the right move given what I want out of the industry.
Here's my situation:
My wife and I would like to get out of New York, and northeast flying in general. Frontier seems like a decent fit for that (and excludes Jetblue unfortunately). Luckily she's WFH and a good sport with hopping anywhere to avoid me commuting...well almost anywhere...San Juan would certainly be a bummer. Having not really done day trips at YX, not sure if it's a lifestyle I'd like, but on paper seems ok, home every night with a warm meal. The downsides have certainly been noted in other threads, but big picture seems like it might be fine.
All this to say is that I'm more in the QOL camp than the money camp (but certainly will stand strong on getting what you deserve in a new contract). Would obviously like both, and chose Frontier as more of a backup to legacies not calling to at least get the QOL and bump to the resume. I'm a bit unsure though if my QOL would actually improve leaving YX. Decently high on the roster in base, and get...okay trips...early starts late finishes with long sits in between, but generally the days off I want (avg 14-15 a month).
I guess what I'm asking is, will I be kicking myself for leaving what is otherwise a fine situation and probably desirable by quite a few to move to the unknown, seems almost lateral at times. What QOL perks could I see coming to F9 or would it generally be a wash? People seem to tout it on here, seeing things like "smiles dont pay the bills" and such, but haven't really seen any real shining qualities comparatively. YX allows dropping trips at will, however that's basically been impossible for quite some time as the reserve grid is always red and nobody wants to pick up garbage trades, so every month is at least 80+ hours with no real flexibility. Otherwise the work rules from what I gather are above average, with a good plane to fly, and a generally decent operation.
Due to the long class wait and reality that a new contract may be years away, the thoughts are coming back into my head that maybe I just ride it out here at regional in hopes that maybe one day I get the call from somewhere else.
Any advice? Anything I'm missing?
Hoping maybe this post can clear up some things to consider with other people in a similar situation.
Here's my situation:
My wife and I would like to get out of New York, and northeast flying in general. Frontier seems like a decent fit for that (and excludes Jetblue unfortunately). Luckily she's WFH and a good sport with hopping anywhere to avoid me commuting...well almost anywhere...San Juan would certainly be a bummer. Having not really done day trips at YX, not sure if it's a lifestyle I'd like, but on paper seems ok, home every night with a warm meal. The downsides have certainly been noted in other threads, but big picture seems like it might be fine.
All this to say is that I'm more in the QOL camp than the money camp (but certainly will stand strong on getting what you deserve in a new contract). Would obviously like both, and chose Frontier as more of a backup to legacies not calling to at least get the QOL and bump to the resume. I'm a bit unsure though if my QOL would actually improve leaving YX. Decently high on the roster in base, and get...okay trips...early starts late finishes with long sits in between, but generally the days off I want (avg 14-15 a month).
I guess what I'm asking is, will I be kicking myself for leaving what is otherwise a fine situation and probably desirable by quite a few to move to the unknown, seems almost lateral at times. What QOL perks could I see coming to F9 or would it generally be a wash? People seem to tout it on here, seeing things like "smiles dont pay the bills" and such, but haven't really seen any real shining qualities comparatively. YX allows dropping trips at will, however that's basically been impossible for quite some time as the reserve grid is always red and nobody wants to pick up garbage trades, so every month is at least 80+ hours with no real flexibility. Otherwise the work rules from what I gather are above average, with a good plane to fly, and a generally decent operation.
Due to the long class wait and reality that a new contract may be years away, the thoughts are coming back into my head that maybe I just ride it out here at regional in hopes that maybe one day I get the call from somewhere else.
Any advice? Anything I'm missing?
Hoping maybe this post can clear up some things to consider with other people in a similar situation.
If you’re ready to move than I would say make the jump. The reasons others have listed and you will leave NYC high cost of living for almost anywhere that has lower cost of living with a, probably, higher pay rate. You didn’t mention how far from a flow date you are and your seat.
01-28-2024, 05:18 AM
#14
Line Holder
Joined APC: Sep 2018
Posts: 37
Originally Posted by BuckleUp
.
The pay is better, 15%NEC is a no brainer, and there is a fair amount of schedule flexibility (not unlike YX, pretty much a wash in that area). If you are willing to live in an F9 base, and remain flexible through whatever transition the Emerald Palace is trying to do, your QOL will improve, as well as your W2 and resume (if moving on is your ultimate goal).
Bottom line, if your number is called to start class, do it and don’t look back.
01-28-2024, 10:29 AM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2019
Posts: 633
Originally Posted by F9320 Driver
Don't do it, apply to the mainline carriers where they have a contract in place. This place is toxic and is only going to get worse.
01-28-2024, 10:59 AM
#18
Line Holder
Joined APC: Sep 2018
Posts: 37
Originally Posted by F9320 Driver
Don't do it, apply to the mainline carriers where they have a contract in place. This place is toxic and is only going to get worse.
01-28-2024, 11:13 AM
#19
Line Holder
Joined APC: Nov 2021
Posts: 31
While this all deserves a thread of its own, and I suspect it will be a topic of the SPC ( strike preparedness committee ) soon enough. It may seem like a good thing to do for an individual to try and improve their own situation. In this case, he seems to be in a seat that is getting him the experience needed to move on, and gaining some seniority along the way. If it were simply my preference, I'd rather be flying with him then with some wonderboy flight instructor who doesn't have any experience. Beyond that,
I believe the mainline carriers will hire him for that experience just the same, as we would. Furthermore,to sit in the pool for a period of time waiting for Frontier to start hiring or take your talents and skills, and move on to somewhere that is currently hiring seems foolish.
I would also guess that you have not fully measured the detrimental effect it has on our contract, talks to have pilots so willing and able to come here. It is a momentary gain for them, but a long-term loss for all those that are here. At some point we all have to make a sacrifice to further this career as a whole.
I believe the mainline carriers will hire him for that experience just the same, as we would. Furthermore,to sit in the pool for a period of time waiting for Frontier to start hiring or take your talents and skills, and move on to somewhere that is currently hiring seems foolish.
I would also guess that you have not fully measured the detrimental effect it has on our contract, talks to have pilots so willing and able to come here. It is a momentary gain for them, but a long-term loss for all those that are here. At some point we all have to make a sacrifice to further this career as a whole.
01-28-2024, 11:54 AM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2018
Posts: 999
Originally Posted by F9320 Driver
At some point we all have to make a sacrifice to further this career as a whole.
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