When to Resign
 

Looking for some gouge/advice from those who’ve made the jump between airlines. I’ve got a class date next week with a new airline and I’m trying to figure out the best timing for resigning from my current airline. With how quickly classes can get paused or canceled given current world events, my biggest concern is resigning too early and then having training delayed and not having a job. What’s the current rule of thumb via two weeks before indoc, day before indoc, or something else? Just trying to manage risk while still being professional. Appreciate any insight.

Industry standard used to be two weeks notice. Do you have any provisions to go by?

Honestly I'd do it the night prior, but no matter what never ever have them overlap! You MUST look out for #1. Yea....I might burn a bridge not giving 2 weeks, but I'm absolutely willing to take that chance with how fast things can change.

Two weeks is the norm, absent other guidance.

Most employers will have some policy, which may impact things like vacation/PTO payout.

Giving less than policy (or two weeks) might result in being not eligible for rehire. Two issues with that...
1) What if you ever need a job? If you're certain you'd never want/need to go back, disregard.
2) In the past, non-eligibility for rehire could be a problem with future employers. Kind of think that has fallen by the wayside, but it was a thing so I mention it.

So I guess I'd weigh job security security pretty heavily, but that can vary based on age, family, and longevity vested at the current job. If it were me, with current events, I'd give notice the morning before, effective at midnight. If you have a trip the next day, try to get rid of it in advance, no reason not to.

Just make sure you understand the ramifications of giving very short notice... in this climate, I'd be OK with losing a block of vacay to minimize the air gap.

And yes, do not overlap employers by even one minute, that will get you fired from both jobs, especially in 121.

Two weeks. ALWAYS


I know a guy that was fired from United in the middle of indoc while still "employed" at Southwest. Got fired there too.

And don't try to be cute, you cann't be on vacation from the old employer while sitting in Indoc at the new one, that won't end well either.

Exception: Military Terminal Leave is OK with airlines (but clear it with them in writing in advance, just to be safe).

I resigned from SWA on a Saturday morning and was in UAL indoc on Monday morning. I don't know about SWA policy regarding a 2 week notice, but at OO, no matter how much notice you give, they will shift your last day to your last day of assigned flying.

As others have said... Don't allow your two employment periods to overlap by even one minute...

Had he not given his resignation with Southwest?

I resigned of B6 to go to SWA on a Friday afternoon for a Monday start. I wasn't planning on going back but the 2 week thing wouldn't have mattered much.

Standard is two weeks. If you’re inside of that they usually say they’ll mark you be ineligible for rehire. If you’re burning that bridge, make sure you do it by afternoon/evening before the calendar start date and send an email to the CP etc. with a CC to yourself. Do not under any circumstances be employed by two companies at the same time. You risk termination from both. The big three won’t care you left with a days notice, but back in the day at smaller airlines that would get some people a talking to if their former company called and complained. Cancelling classes during times of strife is a valid concern. Last down turn classes for the following week were cancelled on Friday if I remember correctly. Things could go as late as close of business the day before class starts if things really go sideways.