Question for the Alaska guys/gals
 

If you're furloughed from another carrier, do they make you resign your seniority number if you get hired?

Yes. You have to return a letter from your last ;) airline verifying your resignation. I think they might have been burned recently by a pilot who still had a seniority number at a previous, but not most recent airline. I don't know how that can ever really be sure unless they get a letter from all of your previous companies. Even then I hear some, like UA, never really accept your resignation.

I don't think we even want to start a topic on 'being burned.' Being burned is being told how the airline will double in size in 6 years, then once the bean counters figure out they can make the stock price climb via furloughs and force basing folks to ANC. I think the days of 'dieing' for your employer are over....In my opinion it's a double edged sword. I'll give 100% if in return the company is also working for the common goal, but on the other hand if the co is making $$ hand over fist on the backs of their employees - well then, it's every man for themselves and it's up to each and every one of us to use all options available.

To answer your question - yes AK will ask you for a resignation letter, whether your current airline accepts it or not is up to them. Call your union and ask then the Co position. You might even be luck enough to have a CP that will 'file' the letter.

Good luck!

Baja.

Alaska is one of the most particular airlines out there in regards to wanting career pilots. Almost nobody leaves there and they want to keep it that way. Their hiring process reflects this. I would say it's likely they will make sure you resign.

Alaska has hired guys on furlough from other airlines, and they do "make" you resign, but I know there are, and have been guys, where the former airline round files the resignation letter and they remain on the seniority list. Just depends on where you are furloughed from.

Are you saying you were told the company would double in size in 6 years and you believed them? I know you, and I know you're not that big of a fool. You didn't, and pilot's don't, owe this company anything. We're all just a warm body that fills a seat. If a pilot has a better opportunity, then he should take it. You did what almost anyone else would do (those who live in Seattle or Anchorage and bleed blue excepted).

I wasn't taking a punch at you personally. I was more commenting from the company's point of view. I think the company might be a little more careful, or do better diligence on the next hiring spree, because they felt like they were burned. Alaska is always going to have a short man complex. They know they're a good gig, but not the best. So, they're always going to have an inferiority complex.

No kidding. Let's see...

In 1991 we were all going to be Captains in 2 years when the MD-90 arrived on the property. We were the launch customer for that bird, don't you know.

In 1995, it was "2000 pilots by 2000". How did that work out?

Then along came Vision 2010. 150 or so jets on the property.

Then a passel of hiring when the Company had already made public the plans for retiring the MD-80 fleet early. Amazing how the number of furloughs closely matched the reserve component for the MD base.

Oh well.

You know how to tell when airline managers are lying? Their lips are moving.

Obviously it was you who burned Alaska.

and for a guy who hated his time here, you sure do comment a lot about this place...Good riddance...

Mookie

Cesnacaptn - Spot on and thanks! Fishfreighter - Agreed! Mookie - "Burned," I don't think so. Talk to the furloughed guys - that's being "burned." "Hated his time here" - Not at all...I actually loved my time there. Even being forced based to ANC was ok. Very hard for my family and missing my mother's time in cancer before she passed was tough, but I was surrounded by a GREAT group of guys & gals. I do comment because I can see it from the outside and I see A LOT of potential for a great airline...but I think it's time to put down the cool-aid and stick up for what you believe is right...So Mookie - thanks for the 'warm wishes' and I'm glad I never had to fly w/ you - keep drinking the cool-aid.

Baja.

Baja,

Stop looking back to your past and start looking forward to your future at the Big "D".