Alaska and Southwest
 

I have just been hired by both Alaska and Southwest. I have a class date at Alaska, and in the pool at WN. What are the ramifications of going to AS and then leaving after 6 months or so to go to WN?

I am mostly concerned with the people that wrote me letters of rec at AS.
Would this affect them in a negative way?

Would AS have issues with the fact that I did not have a type rating at my interview and when I show up for class I have one?

Would WN have issues with doing this, and would I even have to let them know, since my background checks are being done now?

While this is a nice problem to have, I dont want to let one opportunity slip away while waiting for another, as we all know crazy things happen in this industry!

Thanks!

Why waste Alaska's time and yours when you know you are going to leave for WN? Just wait it out until you get your class date with WN, and stay at your current job, where you are probably making more money than a first year AS pilot. I would also imagine that your sponsors at AS would NOT be happy if they got you a job and bailed on them 6 months later. JMHO

I'm just an FO at American. Not one qualified to give advice, but..isn't there some saying about take the 1st class you can get and figure it out later?

Both good companies. Best wishes.

Take the class at Alaska and wait for Southwest to call you. Southwest may call you in six months, or it could take a year or a whole lot longer. You may go to AS and find out you really like it there, and decide to stay on. Maybe Southwest decides to buy Alaska while you're there, then what? Crazy industry, do what's best for you and your family.

It depends on your situtaion. If you are currently at a job that pays more get your type ASAP and wait for SWA. If not go to Alaska do the ground school and sims start flying and if you want to stay do so if not take what you have learned and use it to do well at WN. In the end it is what do you think will give you the best QOL how ever you define it.

Speaking as a Captain for Alaska I'd say Rocket Bob has the best advice. Never turn down a class date. SW may never call. If they do, you THEN have a decision to make.

BTW, if you leave Alaska after 6 months or a year, you will be doing more to help us in our latest round of negotiations than anything you could ever do by staying. Personally, I wish every class would have 50% no shows.

Absolutely take the Alaska Class and if SWA calls and you'd rather go there, beat-feet. I'd personally stay at Alaska as you will probably move-up faster there. As for your reccommendees, explain the situation to them AFTER SWA gives you a class date. Your reasons for leaving should be pretty compelling as these are both excellent carriers.

Nice work getting hired by both, congrats!

Always look out for yourself and your family first. Take the job at AS, being in the pool is simply that, being in the pool, you don't have a seniority number, nor are you an employee of SWA yet. Go to AS, enjoy the flying, when SWA comes calling, and you still want to go there, leave, but make sure you leave on good terms with adequate notice. That should not cause any heartburn with your friends nor AS. Good luck

xtwapilot

In the same boat
 

Wow, I always heard mostly negative and "black-listed" things. Has anyone heard or had the personal experience of doing this??? What did the losing company say???

JB

Thank you all for the advice and info. Let me give some of my thought process. I also believe that one should never pass up a class date. That being said, I also feel that the odds of WN never calling me is slim to none, although as I said earlier...this is a messed up crazy industry! Also, AS would be a significant pay cut, and then to leave after a few months would just prolong the first year pay woes. (Although WN is certainly higher first year pay) I would love to do some of the flying AS has to offer, but not sure it makes financial sense to spend more than one year at first year pay to do that flying.

Mike734, what do you think AS would say when they see a 737 type rating on my cert on the first day of class? I interviewed and did not have it, but got it shortly after my interview there when I learned that I had been selected by WN. Will they freak out about that?

I know this is my choice to make, but I appreciate all thoughts...keep it coming! After 9-11, I never thought I would be in a position to make this type of choice, so I never really thought about it. I do know several friends who are getting multiple job offers, so I think that as a whole that is a good thing for pilots!