Ex NK; AA vs UA
01-17-2024, 06:05 AM
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2007
Posts: 577
Originally Posted by DFWEMB
Go where you want to live #1 as previously stated. I left NK mid 2022 to AA, I pulled the eject handle when the F9 merger was announced/downsizing DFW CA by 65 announcement. I was a 7 year NK CA. It would have possibly left me at the bottom of the DFW CA list and wondering if DFW would even be around post merger. I was not willing to commute for 28 years left in this career. I questioned my decision in the beginning, but I am very happy at AA. Starting over always stinks, but I will be within $29 an hour 2 years in at AA mid 2024 compared to what I was making when I left NK on the old contract as a CA. Movement is pretty quick, much quicker in other bases. At AA you will not have the QOL that you did at NK, but it isn't horrible. Seniority fixes a lot of that and it is still moving quickly with retirements and growth.
i was an almost 5 year CA at frontier that went to AA in 2022…while the pay cut hurt, its
not bad now that I’m almost 3rd year pay and will only be $28 difference From 5th year CA pay to 3 year FO (I can hold CA in NY but F that)
but the QoL is exponentially better (no commuting, no crashpad, no Ubers) throw in the amount of retirements at AA and the movement is crazy
the grass is most definitely greener
if you live in a legacy hub and work for NK or F9….get out now!!! It’s worth it.
01-19-2024, 08:28 PM
#26
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2015
Posts: 49
Originally Posted by Macjet
I'm sure I'm not the only NK Captain that pulled their head out of the sand today. For a less than spring chicken guy looking to pull the rip cord the best two seniority saving options seem to be AA or UA. Any recent guys at either who have left NK or something similar? Are there current pay scales and contracts on the web? Is UA still upgrading new hires to CA?
I'm admittadly way behind on my research here and it's certainly time to fix that.
I'm admittadly way behind on my research here and it's certainly time to fix that.
Left NK after 3.5 years. Was ORD based. Can fill you in on anything and everything you need to help make the decision… Shoot me a message if you have any questions! Good Luck! I went United but the ORD base was my main reasoning. Couldn’t be happier!
01-21-2024, 09:28 AM
#27
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: Window seat
Posts: 5,213
Originally Posted by GSintercept
Left NK after 3.5 years. Was ORD based. Can fill you in on anything and everything you need to help make the decision… Shoot me a message if you have any questions! Good Luck! I went United but the ORD base was my main reasoning. Couldn’t be happier!
Big 3 + w/b's and drive to work is a great choice. Congratulations.
01-22-2024, 01:33 AM
#28
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,238
Originally Posted by GSintercept
Left NK after 3.5 years. Was ORD based. Can fill you in on anything and everything you need to help make the decision… Shoot me a message if you have any questions! Good Luck! I went United but the ORD base was my main reasoning. Couldn’t be happier!
01-22-2024, 02:32 AM
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,240
Originally Posted by SoFloFlyer
I read similar stories, but there are pilots at NK that believe they’ll never get the pay and QOL back. Maybe one, but not both at the same time. Seriously hope everyone does their research before deciding to stick around.
01-22-2024, 07:36 AM
#30
Line Holder
Joined APC: Dec 2021
Posts: 86
Originally Posted by SoFloFlyer
I read similar stories, but there are pilots at NK that believe they’ll never get the pay and QOL back. Maybe one, but not both at the same time. Seriously hope everyone does their research before deciding to stick around.
I guess if you live in ACY or LGB, it makes sense to stay at the lcc. Living in IAH, MIA or ATL…Legacy wins in the long term, imo.
