Exactly! Combine that with at that point you're already 3 years into the age 65 change, the potential for this new legislation to up the required staffing at all airlines, and also possibly less competition you have just as many reasons to think optimistically as you do negatively. Half of the people on this forum last year were convinced that we would have furloughed by this point THIS year. Most indications are pointing towards us being over the "hump". Time will tell but my glass is still half full

Now back to your regularly scheduled Days of our Delta Lives!!!

Any of the DAL-N guys that are blockholders without a block for Sept. get awarded the 55-hr. No Availability Option? I put in for it (DC-9B), but didn't get it. Not surprising, since I'm only 4 from the bottom of the blockholders in DTW, and I figure it went relatively senior, but just curious if anyone was actually awarded it.

I sometimes wonder if Bean Counters have a knack for making things look worse then they actually are.

Oh they do. Yes, accounting is an art. If you looked at where simple things like the DCI aircraft leases hit on whose general ledger they hit, you would realize that it is all just a game. It just drives me nuts when we play along.

DAL has the ability to put the squeeze on the other airlines right now. We have more cash to burn through.

I know everyone is trying to remain positive, but we have to be realistic. This economy has reduced the flying and as such, we are already over staffed. By how much remains a mystery?

But let's not forget that we have a big merge coming soon with SOC. Our schedules will further be reduced / optimized. Even if our overlap is 5%, or in other words a 5% reduction in flights / pilots, that is roughly 600 pilots.

My two cents ...

I'm prepared for whatever happens. I just wish I knew so I could get started early on a plan of action just in case the big F comes.

Last man standing is a plan. So when one goes under, pick up the aircraft for virtually nothing...pay the employees nothing, puting the squeeze on someone else...hear the giant sucking noise.

Yes, Ice that is part of the plan. Fact is that we may see that here with UAUA. Looks like they are either getting ready to merger or something worse.

I had a call from a bud over there that told me the entire 777 program staff is gone and has not been replaced. Not sure what that means, but I have heard it in more than one location.

On another note, with regard to the 2 free positive space tickets what happens if I get somewhere, with whomever I choose to take, and for some reason I cannot return on the same flight. Does anyone know if I MUST be with the person I am taking or is it just that both tickets must be booked on the same flights? Also the tickets can be used to international destinations, correct?

anyone?

International travel is allowed but only on DAL/NW metal.

Whoever is traveling with you must be accompanied by you.

Basically you got 4 tickets for yourself and can choose to use 2 of them to take someone along, but those tickets cannot be used standalone like say a buddy pass...

Change fee is $100 per pass once ticketed.

I'm glad we got them but they are so restrictive, you're almost better off just nonreving, at least you'll have a chance for BE/First...

Cheers
George

Superdad,
I believe the tickets must be booked on the same flights. The positive space tickets are for any DL destination including international flights.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong.