E190 vs A320 for new-hire QOL (commuting)
 

Good afternoon, everyone.

Any thoughts on E190 vs A320 for QOL as a commuting new-hire? (Class starts in a few days.)

There are so many factors (seniority list, typical trips, reserve vs. line, disappearing fleet, etc.) that I just don't even know where to start. Specifically, I'm looking for most time at home, commuting from Austin, and I assume the choices may be something like E190 BOS vs A320 JFK (but I'd be up for A320 LAX, or whatever, if it's a good choice).

Thanks in advance, and Happy New Year!

190 is getting parked as we speak. 9 or so owned ones parked right now. 6 going back to leasing company next year and something like 10-15 more owned ones getting parked. It’s a shrinking fleet. I heard JFK 190 closes Jan 2024, so maybe BOS 190 will be ok for a little while. Probably not good to be anywhere close to the bottom of that fleet though, especially when they freeze it. I used to recommend it for QOL. I don’t think that’s applicable advice anymore. But ymmv.

Okay, so QOL can get bad for the shrinking fleet. I always wondered about that.

So, it's not just like they let everyone sit at home on long-call reserve or something when that happens?

Just depends. Fleet drawdown has never happened at B6 in the past, so it’s hard to predict. Been mixed results at other airlines. Big gamble imo. With the attrition that exists though, 190 FO will more likely be short-staffed than overstaffed if I had to make a prediction, so you likely wouldn’t be sitting at home unused on long call. 220 fleet will be growing at a decent clip by the end of next year and onward. Lots of change going on, while in uncharted waters with the merger on the horizon. So, long story short, I don’t have a recommendation for you. My crystal ball broke a few years ago.

In general, always shake my head about being on a shrinking fleet. Lose ground or, at best, tread water. My advice, bid off. Otherwise ride it down to the scene of the crash. Ymmv.

Yeah, that makes sense. I think it's a good chance for me to work on my flexibility and resilience, instead of trying to figure it all out. (Hey, if I still get paid to fly a jet, I count myself pretty lucky.)

I think I agree with you. I can't figure out all of the different logical possibilities, but a dying fleet definitely doesn't feel like a nice destination. I always wanted to end up on the A320 anyway...

It's funny, I bet I'll get there and there'll only be one type available to bid for after all. (Fine with me, that's part of why I liked JetBlue to begin with: I like all the types they fly.)

I would take a look at your commuting options and bid whichever base gives you more options to get to and from work. If BOS is the easier commute and the 190 is the only option I'd go that route. If LAX is the easier commute then that route. I used to commute AUS-DFW and some days it was a real bear with the increasing popularity of AUS.

I would avoid JFK 190 if your senority allows it. Last drop for that was back in Nov timeframe whereas the BOS 190 has had drops since then, so it appears as though jfk 190 is starting to stagnant.

I was told last week that 2 of the recently parked 190's were unparked because of the 220 delivery delays.

Sounds like good information and good advice, thank you.

What's your age? That will likely effect what you are able to bid also.