JetBlue and Southwest
 

Hi, I have recently finished my B-737 type at Higher Power in Dallas. While in sim training for the 737 Jetblue called for an interview. I had to postpone the interview in January for personal reasons, but was assured by Nancy at JetBlue, that it was no problem to reschedule in March. I have not heard from Southwest, but have been told to expect a call within the next month or so.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not trying to work the system or take advantage or do anything inappropriate. I am a hard working, fun loving, team playing, flying fool. They are my top two airlines that I want to spend the rest of my career with. I plan on interviewing with both if given the chance, and I consider myself extremely lucky to be called by either. I have done a lot of research on both companies and have good qualifications and think I would be a good fit at both.


My goal is to be happy. Simple, but it involves many complicated issues. I am torn and need help. Do I focus on the tried and true that has never furloughed and pays better or the new folks in big debt that may blow the doors off the joint in the next ten years?

I love them both and know the obvious differences. Does anyone have experience with both airlines to give me a fair comparison?

I don't want to start any wars between JetBlue and Southwest people. You are all great people, I am just looking for guidance. If I am really lucky I will get a job at one of the top two airlines in the US. I am very excited! :D

If I were you, I would go SWA, for they are proven and have never furloughed. JB has lost money one quarter and I believe they may be expanding a little fast, but who knows. If I were a betting man, I would go SWA just for the proven track record.

SWA has better pay scales, JB has a lot of future growth, but I think you should consider things such as: Where do live, or want to live? What about commuting? Does upgrade time matter to you?

I think they are both great companies, but I agree that SWA is the safer choice, though in JBs case, higher risk can me greater reward.

Check the payscales: SWA will pay much more over the course of your career, even considering the 3-4 years longer it will take to upgrade.
I agree there is higher risk at JB, where is the higher reward? I admit I'm unsure of the benefits at WN, although they do have profit sharing and match 401k at more than double the JB rate.
A 6 year Capt at WN will make about 50K a year more than a 6 year JB Capt, flying the same number of hours.
A 5 year f/o at WN will make more than a reserve Capt at JB, no matter how long the JB Capt has been there.
This is considering the A320 only. The 190 is left in the gate from the start.
WN also has twice as many bases, giving a better chance of a shorter commute.
To be fair to JB, sometimes we get "snow globes".

you'd actually consider JB on the same page with SW? JB will be gone within 3 years after management cashes in and walks away.

jetblue and southwest
 

I know about the payscale. I live in Minneapolis. Jetblue will be making a midwest base in the next year or so. I am worried that Jetblue might not make it, but I am most worried about quality of life. All things considered equal...which one has a better quality of life.

Let's say I am hired at both(Thank you God!) I know perfect scenario, but let's just say. I think SWA is a better move for obvious reasons.

Is the quality of life better at Jetblue enough to make me want to stay? Or should I leave, if SWA calls? One year later? Two years later? God forbid, Three years Later?

Does anyone have experience with both? It is so hard to get advice from only one side. I will accept any info. I Love all the stories and still love aviation. It is one hell of a life and hope to do it until I am 60. I am 34 so I still have a lot of abuse to take.

Why do some think Jetblue is going away in a few years? I thought they seem like a decent company with a lot A/C orders and expansion??

OK, I'll solve your dilemma and tell you what to do.
1) Go to the first one that hires you.:D
2) If you're hired by JB and WN calls you, quit and go there.
3) If money is the primary consideration, crunch the numbers when you are offered the WN job, THEN decde. You'll be an expert on JB QOL by then.
4)QOL will only be a consideration if you're SENIOR and based at FLL or if REALLY SENIOR, LGB. Probably a moot point. Work QOL won't be a factor if you are willing to live within 2 hours of JFK, but then your time-off QOL will suck because you're within 2 hours of JFK.:eek:
5)Don't hold your breath on a midwest base.

Most of all, DON'T use loyalty as the deciding factor. ALL companies, including JB and WN will throw you overboard in an instant to save a buck.
This is BUSINESS.

p.s. I just reread your 1st paragraph. If you are worried that JB will make it, you just answered your own question.;)

JB isn't going anywhere. Wishful thinking by some (see above). As for pay scales, I kind of hope more pilots turn us down...might increase pay for us. It is true that SWA has much better pay, but no one on this board knows what the situation will be five years from now (they may pretend to know, though). So, I say stick with quality of life for your decision. We have no crystal balls around here. On balance, SWA is a great company, you couldn't do better. First things first...pass your interviews.

[QUOTE=automatique] 4)QOL will only be a consideration if you're SENIOR and based at FLL or if REALLY SENIOR, LGB. Probably a moot point. Work QOL won't be a factor if you are willing to live within 2 hours of JFK, but then your time-off QOL will suck because you're within 2 hours of JFK.:eek:


I grew up within two hours of JFK, and QOL can be great. Some great places in Conn., NJ that you can afford. Even PA. You can make it within two hours from Darien Conn, or even Danbury. Depends on your family situation.