Originally Posted by dckozak (Post 1525732)

Without passing comment as to whether Emirates is buying influence with the US government; I think the basic issue with the Middle Eastern threat is ultimately related to the service, or more accurately, the lack there of, of the American air carriers. A head to head comparison of US air carriers cabin service specifically and the total service experience in general with the Middle East airlines is a no contest. Most US carriers can't compete with the European carriers on a cabin for cabin basis, and they can't compete with Emirates.
Look I have a vested intertest in the health and well being of US owned and crewed airlines. I think most of the (American) flying public traveling to and from domestic or international destinations wishes to support the home team. But here's the problem, the home product SUCKS. Not universally, and not all the time, just most of it. :rolleyes:

You guys sitting up front either don't see it, have closed your eyes to it, or just try to wish it way/ believe it isn't so. I've ridden in business on most US airlines. Its embarrassing what's considered "service" on many flights. The international traveler is paying a small fortune to fly in the front of the jet, they deserve way better than they are getting. Emirates, for all the faults (and I agree, their treatment of labor is not up to western standards) gives the paying customer what they believe they should be getting. Its not all fault of the personnel. Airline management controls the product; they have failed to train, discipline, and provide the resources needed to compete with the competition. Protectionism may help, but its a band aid to the problem. Ultimately your airlines are going to have to match the competition, the consumer will have the final say, just as we all would expect it should in a free market system.

Originally Posted by pilotrob23 (Post 1525893)

First hand, you are wrong. Now, just me, I have sat reserve once in two years. I am in my bed about 18-21 days a month. I get really wherever I want to fly, whether back home to the States, Europe, Asia, wherever. Especially top couple bids, it is really nice. Some like it here, other not. Our family loves it, especially school for the kids. Love watching my girls speak 3 languages, something I never had an opportunity to do back home in public school.

Originally Posted by dckozak (Post 1525887)

You can find plenty to fault the RLA but its a stretch to suggest that US pilots are (viewed) as the regional airline pilots of the world. EK's T&C's are hardly an example of anything US airline pilots would wish to emulate. First off, seniority plays very little in deciding where you fly, what you fly, or when you fly. I'll let others weigh in on the pro's and con's from first hand experience, but the fact that EK and its sibling don't base anywhere other than the home country and labor unions are illegal is proof enough that despite some very nice pay (and mainly tax treatment) and some other superficial bennies, most expat's wish they where home or intend to get back home when the time and conditions merit.

Originally Posted by tsquare (Post 1525939)

Good for you. stay there. It will be interesting to see how you feel if your daughters marry some clown that believes in strict sharia law.....

Originally Posted by pilotrob23 (Post 1525972)

Classy T. Seeing 11 to 1 expats here, and that my six year old has a bigger understanding of world views, I appreciate that. Makes the decision to stay here that much easier than coming back and flying with people that are as open as you.

Originally Posted by tsquare (Post 1525936)

blah blah blah... your argument has nothing to do with the problem of the sand flea invasion, and our duplicitous government's sanction thereof.

Originally Posted by FIIGMO (Post 1525942)

This means after our profession is ruined by govt proxy airlines, YOU come back to the US to enjoy what was once the domain of US pilots and a respected profession....

You sir are honest! I have to give you that!!!:mad:

Originally Posted by Carl Spackler (Post 1525750)

You DO understand that bribery, and political influence peddling is rarely in a contract...right?



You are expressly defending the Sheik. Or are you being taken out of context. :rolleyes:



Because the ALPA PAC strongly backs politicians like Barak Obama who is strongly behind this effort by Emirates as well as transforming our nation into a left-wing utopia. I don't believe in funding that.

Carl

Originally Posted by dckozak (Post 1526036)

Blah, blah to you too ;) You may have a beef with our elected officials but get in line, lots of industries and special groups are buying influence at the expense of labor. My point doesn't deny your gripe, just notes that US air carriers do themselves no favors by providing a sub par product vs most foreign competition. Even your "partner" airlines provide a better service than your airline. Solve the problem of product and maybe the other issues will become moot.




You have me confused with someone else. I live and fly out of the good ole US of A. That said I'm not deaf, dumb, and blind. I ride in the back on your airline. I see how your airline treats it's paying customers ( I am one). My companies reputation is not at issue, but yours is. You guys can ignore the issue and deflect it to something else but that doesn't change the facts nor change the competive landscape.

Originally Posted by Delta1067 (Post 1526089)

The Delta product has come a long way and will continue to improve. It can't all change overnight and is a work in progress.