The direction the airlines, including the RJ's, are headed today is upsetting many of us pilots. The QOL, pay, benefits and all the other haggles are taking it's toll and many are leaving aviation forever because of this. In your opinion, or even presented facts, what would you say was the best time period to be working for the airlines and would you like to bring that time period back to todays airlines? 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, etc? Do you think that time period could serve as a good model for today's scum bag CEO's to learn from?

Me personally, I would bring back the 70s. The standards seemed to be much higher then across the board for customer service, FA's, FO's, FE's and Captains. Pay, benefits, QOL all seemed so much better in that time period. From what I gather, the 70s was the most fun pilots ever had in the industry. The 80s didn't seem so bad either with the exception of Eastern and Braniff. Ok, your turn! Let's hear it!

 

deregulation was the real killer. my dad flew for united from '59 to '94 and he seems to always tell stories of the 60's and 70's the most. The good ole days are gone for good, IMHO

 

The day I get a job flying for a major/legacy is the beginning of the greatest time period......simple as that

 

As it will for myself, but I am speaking more of the corporate model/structure and a time period when employees were treated right and customer service was impecible.

Hands down, dereg. screwed up everything! If not for that, Pan Am might still be in business and I could be flying for them in the right seat with my dad.

 

I was at UAL from 1967 through 2003 and the 70s were not all that good for many people.

We furloughed guys in the early 70s, brought a number of them back (1976 or 1977?) for a few months and furloughed them again. A total of 800 or so on furlough as I recall. No expansion and very few retirements.

I was THE junior F/O in NY and said the heck with it after a few years and bid sideways on the DC-10 so I could at least have a schedule.

On the other hand, it certainly hasn't been great at ual since 9/11 either.

 

Tommorow is pretty good for me.. My trip got bought by training for IOE so I get to sit at home and get paid!

Doesnt get much better than that!

 

Retired 2003? What aircraft were you flying between 93 and 03? My father is a 737 captain at UAL. Maybe you know him?

 

I think the best times for the airlines are still ahead. Today we have more options than ever before. Computers have made bookings easier and more competitive. RJ's are bringing jet service to more cities. LCC's and ULCC's are making air travel cheaper everyday. What once was stuffy suit and tie business now is sweats and a bag of Doritos. In ten years customers will be able to fly anywhere at the drop of a hat for the price of dinner for four. What a golden age! Amtrak and Greyhound are doomed.

Skyhigh

In the past regionals were flown by seasoned professionals. Now they are piloted by recent flight school grads. In the next decade high school kids who were destined for a convenience store to earn pocket change will be flying our nations airliners. What a wondrous world we live in.

 

I'm a little worried that a few years down the road I'll look back and say "these" were the good old days.
fbh

 

Those are strong words there but I share your fear. I hope it doesn't get much worse.