PotatoChip

I am in the pool at JB, but have an interview with and would consider Frontier due to living in one of their domiciles versus 2 - 2.5 hour drive at JB or a commute. Much more growth at Frontier as well, and possibly much shorter upgrade, especially in junior domicile (where I live).

I am very happy to be in the pool at JB, just exercising options. JB has long been a goal for personal reasons.
I recognize that this thread will primarily be negative by 10 known posters, and that about three others will be unwaveringly optimistic. Either way, interested in thoughts. I realize where this may go...

Input is appreciated.

hilltopflyer

Do you want to drive to nyc every trip or stay in philly for every trip. It’s a tough choice frontier is growing like a weed while we are stagnating somewhat by deferring planes. When I started I’m glad I came to Jetblue but if I lived at a frontier hub it would make it much harder. Frontier is still on the bottom rung and probably will be but you never know what will happen in this career. Living in base would probably sway my decision. If I were you I would start at Jetblue and if the time came I would move to frontier if you didn’t like the drive, job etc.

flysooner9

Frontier might be on the bottom but if upgrades indeed happen at around 3 years at F9 you could be making over 200k in short order.

nuball5

I think it depends on the makeup of that PHL base, which none of us at Jetblue know obviously. Do they have a lot of day trips, which to me makes living in base much more advantageous? If it’s all 3&4 day trips with little open-time to swap into better trips, or opportunities to make premium pay then in my opinion that kind of defeats the purpose of living in domicile. Ask a Frontier friend for a bid packet and check our the trips. I’m not JFK based, but the people I know that are based there are pretty successful wheeling and dealing their schedule since JFK has the most varied flying we have. Second year FO I know should be close to 200k this year but they live a little bit closer in Jersey.

Bluedriver

Frontier may have lower pay rates but growing faster (we are slow growing and SLOWING GROWING (read that until you understand that)).

Faster growing at Frontier equals better seniority, faster natural upgrades (vs upgrade due to bypasses that leave you on reserve forever) and also remember that everyone at Frontier is on Airbus pay vs awful E190 pay (lower than 99% of other major airline pilots).

I agree with the other dude, you probably can't not take the JB class date, but keep working on better opportunities.

pilotpayne

You are in the pool at JetBlue.

1 you need to fill out a Frontier App
2 you need an interview at Frontier
3 you need a job offer at Frontier

Until that happens this is all theory.
Obviously take the JetBlue job and see what happens with Frontier. Only other thing to consider is which base is definitely not going anywhere? We know unless JetBlue gets bought and even if they do JFK is staying. That might not be true for PHL and Frontier but you never know. Just my long term thinking if it’s only based off a base.

Also as we all know (right bluedriver) growth is not a sure thing. It can just as easily slow at Frontier as it has here. Actually super rapid expansion can lead to exactly that.

Get the job offer and make the decision at that point.

PotatoChip

I appreciate the response, but.... is your reading comprehension that poor, or did you just not read what I wrote at all?? See above in red.

PotatoChip

There is no denying that F9 isn't high on the pilot contract totem poll, but like you said, living in domicile can make up for a lot. I fully plan on taking my B6 class, as I truly do want to work there.

Good friend is there now and last upgrade just awarded was under 3 years... in the domicile I live. He projects they'll stay at around 3-4 years. Again, projects.

Totally agree. Currently they are primarily operating day trips, but the consensus is that will only be the first few months and then there will be a more even split. Ideally, I would like 2-days and day trips. At JB, with the drive, I'd be much more inclined to bid 3-day trips. It would be a bit much for my to pick up high block day trips with the 2+ hour drive on each end. Maybe some months, but not often.

This is one of the most pivotal pieces for me. I wish I saw any direction from JB. I'm significantly concerned about being a seven year FO on the bus not even close to upgrading due to no retirements and slowed growth, and upgrading to CA rev being awful. Realistically, it seems like 9-10 years would be a decent time to upgrade. Vice at F9, I could upgrade and sit reserve because I live in domicile.

All that said, JB has the better contract, the better product, and hopefully a future... which could mean being bought by UAL.

Flyby1206

Its a tough call and a gamble with either one. You are well aware of the pros/cons at each.

Let's assume the music stops for both these carriers and you are a junior FO for the next 5+yrs. Which carrier would you prefer to be in that position?

Bluedriver

Delta? United?

Did I win?