Here's some free advice - go with Alaska. You can't go wrong there. The situation with the pilot group can only get better, not worse. Good luck whichever you choose.

 

I'd second that. WN is slowing down big-time while Alaska is hiring and training within the month. Take whoever puts you in a seat first, (and that will more than likely be AS ).

 

Always take the first class date offered to you and think about it later.

Something to keep in mind about WN is that we are in contract talks so who knows how real this "slow down" is. Even with the slow down we're taking delivery of 34 airplanes in the next 18 months. Having said that I believe we're on track for 8-10 year upgrades in the near future as some have mentioned here. How do you get to 50% of a 5,500 (and growing) pilot seniority list? Throw in age 65 and it could be a long upgrade. F/O pay is good, schedules are good, work environment is good, no history of furlough/strike/bankruptcy and there's lots of domiciles.

That's a tough call between AS and WN. Like I said, go with the first one to put you in class and then evaluate. I don't think you could make a wrong decison in either case.

S.B.

 

It's nice to finally see some positive things said about Alaska. I agree things can only get better.......I hope. The flying is so varied, from 10 min flights to 7 hour flights, and you fly to the ends of the continent. I think Alaska is one place where you can still be a pilot, especially in the state of Alaska. And then you can go sit on the beach in Mexico or Hawaii.

 

For selfish reasons I'd advise you to go to the AS job and then quit in the middle of class. March in to the CP's office and make a huge stink about how F'd up the company is and throw up on his desk. That's what I'd like to see.

But seriously, AS will probably get a big raise in a few years. The shortage of pilots globally will affect everyone and raise the bar. The flying is interesting. I'd rather see volcanoes and glaciers out my window than Philly and the Blue Ridge "mountains." Upgrade time will depend on our contract and age 65. I would think about 7 years if you are willing to move to the junior base. (LAX and ANC at the moment). We fly new aircraft and are expanding our route structure. The biggest problem I see is that we don't fly the large aircraft so you will never make the big bucks a 777 driver makes. (You won't fly 12 hours either)

Good luck.

 

For what it is worth, I left the state of Alaska in 1996 to go to Germany. I've said before that my dream job was always "Delta" back then, but I actually had another plan for a while. I hoped to return from Germany back to AK, perhaps to a staff tour or a Cope Thunder job, and then get out and fly for Alasaka Airlines (and perhaps C130s at Kulis if I was lucky...)

Well, life has a way of things changing. My father passed away, my in-laws were getting older, and I got another F-15 job at Tyndall. So--we got anchored in the SE with kids and family, and by the time I could get out, AK didn't quite fit the family plan anymore.

However--simply put--there isn't a more beautiful place to live, work, and fly IMHO. The people that I know that went to AK followed their hearts first, and none of them have regretted it. For pure enjoyment, I can't think of a more challenging and enjoyable Airline gig.

Funny thing is a buddy who is up there got hired in the late 90s and was concerned about being bought out or losing his job down the road. Instead, all our our mutual friends at the Big 5 got furloughed or were barely hanging on, and he continued to work in a company that was making money. You don't always know how the story will turn out...

 

Anyone think AS is ever gonna change there hiring mins? Remove the PIC req.? I know they lowered it for QX guys. I am a former QX'er but left before I got the magical 2000 SIC with them due to lack of
movement. Since then I have been in 3 large jets and yet still cant apply.

Sux for me cause I live in SEA and am tired of commuting.

Just wondering with all the others starting to hire with lower mins. I know that most dont hire at those mins but there have been some that are now in the 76 at CO with no PIC time and hardly any jet time.

Just looking for opinions. THanks.

 

The upgrade here is 5.5 to 6 years now, but will certainly change with the Age 65 Rule, which will impact all airlines and we will have the 8-10 year upgrade just like AS. I think all the airlines upgrade time will be inline based on retirements and growth. Pay is the other factor to consider while sitting in the left seat. In either case, both are good choices. With the number of guys in the pool now, about 430, you'll swim for about 6-7 months after the Aug DB.

 

I talked to a friend who has recently started working on the hiring board at Alaska. He said Alaska will be hiring 8-10 a month for the next year or so trying to catch up. The new hires are being placed in all 3 bases.
Good luck with the decision. It's a tough one, if it was Southwest VS. anywhere else, it would be a no brainer, go to Southwest. I'm in the same boat as you and planning on staying at Alaska.

 

Dont get me wrong, this was a tough choice. There are two things for me that kind of solidifed it for me. One, I dont know that I will stay living in SEA forever. WN gives a lot more flexibility for bases and therefore where to live. Two, the corporate culture at AS is less than it once seemed to be. I am impressed with the culture at WN and hope it stays that way. I also hope that AS improves sooner rather than later. I have many friends there and want the best for them. I also dont want to go to class knowing I will probably leave in six months. Dont think that is ethical.
BTW...the type is deductable!