I'm all for the discussion about the airline, it's medical benefits, etc., but can we keep this thread only about the class dates, etc.? There's a whole other thread for this topic.

Trust me, anyone who is in the pool is either aware of the gripes, or knows where to find out about them. You're going to be hard pressed to convince someone at a regional that they should bypass a class date at JetBlue based on healthcare.

You should see what my regional just put forth for their health care plan in bankruptcy. Makes the B6 health care (or even Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida) look awesome.

Trust me, we're well aware of what's going on over there. I can only speak for myself, but I'm willing to work to get things fixed once I'm there. But like someone else said, passing over a class date at jetBlue coming from a regional (especially one going down in flames) over health care is pretty short sighted.

Ok....how 'bout a 15-year projected upgrade?

If I was at a regional living in an affordable domicile making $100k/yr with good health coverage, I'd really have to think twice about coming to JB.

Add to that commuting to reserve in JFK...

Just because JB tells you that it is great here doesn't make it so. They are like every other company out there. Except they can change things like work rules and benefits at their discretion without any input from the pilot group.

Averaging about 11-12 retirements per year for the next ten years.

GP

It is a gamble each way. Being a part of the regional whipsaw your base (and company) could close down at a moment's notice. Being at jetblue is far from perfect, and comes with many risks of its own, but I wouldnt want to stay at any regional being based in any city.

Anyone thinking about jetblue just educate yourself with the new risks here, that dont exist at a regional carrier and make an informed decision. I am happy with my choice. Things arent perfect, but we are pushing to make improvements and heading in the right direction.

Re: coming here

I'd do it all over again. It's 2012 and we are in the forum age. Everyone is fairly aware of what they are "in line" for.

Many regional upgrades are/were at 6+ years. Being a broken record but...there are far worse places to hang your hat. This place isn't perfect but it is not a lost cause either.

I agree with Guppy, if I were at a regional as a captain living in domicile I would just stay put. Just too much to lose in my opinion. Reserve in JFK, long long upgrades and substandard pay/benefits.

Gojets is hiring street Captains in affordable cities. I'll help you both fill out the application ;)

I don't care what you "project" upgrade to be, but it will NOT be 15 years.

I did 3 months of reserve................. And that COULD happen to anyone depending on many factors. It could also be 6 months, 12 months, or more if you are hired at the end of a hiring wave. But don't worry, with all the attrition you are "projecting" with your "jetBlue is worse than smashing rocks in Zimbabwe", reserve will be short.

It is amazing we have 1200+ captains, considering we have NEVER had many retirements.......

Come here, leave your ****tttttteee regional, and vote yes.

Ignore those with a clear agenda, they are not looking out for you.

Honestly, if I never see the left seat, I'll be okay with it. I'm a CA now. I don't really need to be one again for my life to be complete. If I can hold the base I want with an okay schedule and pay, I'm fine with not upgrading. I'll let other guys deal with that headache....

Agreed. It will be nice to work for a company that sells its own tickets. If I remain an FO for the rest of my career, that's fine. My ego isn't tied to the seat I'm sitting in.