Return to JetBlue after an extended LOA
 

Question- I tried reading the contract about returning to JetBlue after a leave of absence. For example, can I resigned and then return to JetBlue with my original seniority number within a time-frame? Can I take an extended leave of absence approved by the Chief Pilot- and say during that time I start work for a legacy. I do understand about the potential hipcups with PRIA paperwork- if that happens.
When I worked at Republic, the contract stated that any pilot can return within 2 years and maintain their seniority number as long as the pilot left Republic in good terms.
TIA

Why would you take a leave with the expectations of going to a legacy but want to have Jetblue in your back pocket? You would also be employed by two airlines at the same time so that would be an issue.

When you ask for an LOA, what are you going to say? “Hey I want to go try out a legacy, then maybe come back.” I don’t think you’re going to get that approved. Or if you say you just need some time off and have a legit reason, then it’s approved, then PRIA hits and you start elsewhere, I don’t think that would fly, especially on your first year on probation.

It sounds like you are/were at republic, either new or about to start at JB, and have an AA interview? And that you’re not sure if you want to leave some seniority at JB to go to AA? Wanna try it before you buy it kinda thing? Make a choice and go with it...but I wouldn’t plan on leaving for a legacy and then trying to come back, or lying about an LOA for a legit reason to get approved but actually intending to start at another carrier as a means to preserve your seniority if you happen to get buyer’s remorse.

The short answer is no.

And if whatever legacy found out you likely be unemployed on both ends.

But hey! It’s nice to have options.

Additionally, if you try playing this game of being employed at 2 carriers at once you could wind up being fired from both carriers... and wind up back at Republic for the rest of your career.

Just a terrible idea....

Thank you gentlemen

I can't tell you how many USAirways LOAers worked at BlueJet and still do.

It was more than a few!

One was a BOB and is now back at AMR will full seniority accrual.

Another decided to resign when his LOA ran out and is still at BlueJet.

I think they were on an LOA for more than a decade and a half while employed at Bluejet.

A reasonable question and a benefit of the Airways CBA, IMO!

Benefit of the Airways CBA?

They weren't on an LOA for grins, they were furloughed and bypassed recall.

Two totally different worlds, having been on both during different parts of my career.

Not furloughed. These dudes were on an LOA before any furloughs occurred. I know them personally! Saw the wave coming and took advantage of the CBA language for an LOA.

Furlough is certainly a benefit of a CBA.

Before our first CBA, we had a "no furlough policy" in the PEA. Being furloughed would have been better a BlueJet "no furlough" nonrenewal.

Anyways the original posters question was reasonable especially with our own history of LOA working here while "employed" Airways, IMO!