Non-rev travel isn't free. It actually costs money to process employees same as passengers. The airline doesn't exist to transport you for free when you want to go someplace, it exists to make money. If you wish to use the product, you have to pay. How many oil company employees you know getting free gas? My dad was with Mobil for 40 years and had to pay for every tank of gas he ever got.

I think the difference here is that those travel privileges are considered part of our compensation...If your old man was told that his wages were lower because he was to get gas for $1/gal only to find out that he had to pay a $25 fee to use the pump each time, he'd probably be PO'd too.

It used to be free (or much cheaper), and they changed the price unilaterally. That is an un-negotiated compensation cut. Remember, many of us got into this business for the travel bennies.

For all of us who used to be Northwest Airlinkers... we're actually coming out ahead in this deal. Yes we have to pay 50 up front, but no more fees after that. That means you can fly First if you want to for 0 dollars, you're parents can fly for 0 dollars, your RTC can fly for 0 dollars, and you can even buddy pass people for *gasp* 0 dollars... Those that non-reved regularly on NWA (or had family that did) know that it could get over 50 easily in one trip.

Unless you work for Pinch-a-nickle. Due to our gaining Delta flying prior to the merger, the company essentially screwed its pilots over (what a surprise), by not negotiating any travel bennies. I'm a single guy flying DCI. I pay $100 + tax a year to move myself around, because my parents aren't eligible, and I don't get buddy passes.

PPAS was not in my vocabulary since the first furloughs in October. And it certainly wasn't when they put me on reserve in November.....and in December it was full speed ahead...screw em'

Hate to say it, but that is a bad way to think about them. They are a priviledge which the company extends based on their largess and can be revoked at any time. They are not contractual, nor are they compensation. I'm sure the IRS would like to know you don't pay any taxes on that "compensation."

Again, it's not compensation, it's a priviledge management has allowed you to use. If you just got in to this business for the travel bennies, than you did it for the wrong reason. When I first started, we had to pay on a per leg basis. It then changed to free. Then it changed to yearly fee. Who knows, if enough people complain about paying, management can just do away with the whole thing and tell us all to go pound sand.

You guys do know they charge the mainline guys $50 a year too, right?

I would assume that the mainline guys get the same benefits too. Only wife and kids get pass travel. Those are my benefits.

Travel benefits at US Airways are costing me $200 this year! Myself and a registered guest are free (aside from imputed income for the guest) parents are $30 each way, and I get 8 guest passes... last i checked a flight from STL-MSY through CLT was going to be $280 round trip. Might as well buy a ticket!