I'd say a huge number of regular Pinnacle employees (not inflight or flight ops) would probably quit if they got stuck with our current Delta benefits post merger. They really are horrible.

Employees pay .007 per mile, plus $5.25, and only 3 international travel days. Parents pay ZED-High fare. That's complete BS. Most 9E ATL guys just keep using their NW benefits instead.

What? Are you serious? holy crap! That's ridiculous! I thought DL only paid $50/yr for unlimited flying? Considering the starting salary on the ramp at 9E (without experience) is only $7.16/hr, who could afford to fly? glad it is not my primary source of income. I think this whole thing is going to be a mess regardless...more so for Airlink (Pinnacle, Mesaba, Compass), Skywest and Comair. Ugh! Having worked for US Airways mainline for a few years and now a non-wholly owned Airlink carrier, I can honestly see the difference (besides pay) - the flying benefits are a little different, too. Either way, I hope the best for everyone after the merger.

Just for clarification: someone metioned $50/yr on DL and another poster mentioned the above (7c/mile + $5.25 per flight), so which is it? I have a Comair friend and he only pays $50/yr for everyone on his list to fly...including parents.

It almost seems to me that American's policy purposely pushes us to non-rev other airlines - at least for the first 5 years. It makes commuting downright ridiculous. I would pay about $80 a week round trip on my current commute. With the wages being made by most of the newer folks, that eats away a huge chunk of our income. And while living at base would alleviate that, its not always feasible for everyone to do. I actually get treated much better flying on other carriers than I do the one I work for. An upgrade to first on AA? Not unless you have a super friendly flight attendant up there. Last week they upgraded a Southwest captain to first and left me in coach. I just don't get it.

We had a loophole where we could ask for the Flight Deck Jumpseat and then sit in any empty seat in coach and not pay for it - but that loophole is being closed and those who attempt to use it stand to lose their travel benefits...which for me would pretty much be losing my job as well.

If an airline is going to let any offline pilot non-rev for free, why shouldn't the same be applied for their own pilots? The fees can't possibly be doing anything for their bottom line. And to me it just shows disrespect to your employees to do so. I would be all for a flat fee for unlimited travel, but AA is killing me slowly by a thousand tiny cuts.

On CAL, I can request a JS and not have to pay the fee to non rev. On DAL, I could elect to NOT pay the $50 annual fee and just use the JS all the time if I so chose.

But let me get this straight, you DO NOT have the option to request a JS pass, not pay to ride, but take an open seat in the back?

If so, I guess there is a reason why AA are called the sky nazis.

At SKW it's free in economy on United/United Ex flights and a mileage based fee for first class.

That is correct. We cannot request the JS if there are ANY open seats in the cabin. This includes First/Business. So if I'm trying to get to work and the only seat available is a $65 First Class seat - then I do not have the option of requesting the JS and flying for free. I'm on the hook for the open seat. They are now threatening to revoke the flight privleges of anyone who requests or receives a JS with open seats in the cabin.

Yes, it is preposterous. The email just went out today reminding us all of the policy. No more JS with available seats in the cabin. Zip. Zilch. Nada.
And there's absolutely nothing anyone can do about it! (Except non-rev other airlines)

And on Delta is the same as other DCI's I think. $50 a year for unlimited domestic coach and first class. 6 free international days and 3 S2 upgrades on Skywest flights per person.

The thing that gets me about Delta's nonrev structure for the non wholely owned regionals like us here at ASA is that unfortunately parents travelling on Mainline Delta get to go at a priority of S4. Thats the same priority as a Buddy Pass'er!!! Then to go along with my newer higher date my parents are the last people to get a seat on the aircraft.

Can someone tell how that is fair?!?! A buddy pass getting a seat on the aircraft before one of my parents. That is the biggest f@#$$#% BS I have heard of it. It is totally unfair and has cost my parents numerous times of getting on a tight flight, when buddy passers get the last remaining seats and my parents get left at the gate. Thanks a lot Delta, you are really worthless on that point.

end Rant.

So... you think that a parent of a sub-contractor for Delta should have priority over a family member (brother/sister) of an active Delta employee? Not flaming, just curious as to your logic. Is it the same thing if the flight is operated by ASA, or do your parents have a higher priority on those?

Do you get to put family members, and friends (buddy passes), on all those different carriers as well?