I would like to attempt to start a thread similar to the "latest & greatest at Delta" thread. There is some healthy discussion amongst themselves and with ALPA closing down pilot communication on their site, I figured this might work. Not that there is a lot of us Alaska bubbas on here anyway but thought I'd give it a shot.

So I'll start. is there any authority to GBs request for us to cease using our transition jackets? I agree that it doesn't look the most professional, but this time of year it is hard to beat. Thoughts?

mods, please try to keep this thread on topic and not become another AS vs DL thread, that's not its intent.

If they eliminate the transition jacket, you know guys will just go back to their Columbia or North Face jackets.

I bought the transition jacket when it first came out, but I must admit that it is very pedestrian as a uniform piece. It is great this time of the year, but I wear my hat whenever I wear the transition jacket.

Anyway, it won't bother me when they officially remove the transition jacket as a uniform piece. I'll keep it for personal use.

What I would like to see is a good rain coat... one that is not too big and clunky. I used to have a 1960's NWA rain coat that I used to use at the regional I flew for. I think it was made by London Fog. I don't expect high quality material like that, but I would wear a simple rain coat instead of the transition jacket.

I believe that a rain coat made by London Fog is still an option. At least at one time it was.

Maybe a peacoat would be a good alternative. The leather jacket is too bulky, and not warm enough up north. I honestly wish they would bite the bullet & get on with the new uniforms.

When I was hired Hornibrook came into our new hire class and specifically told us not to buy anything but the transition jacket. He said we would get new uniforms in less than a year... I agree the jacket does not look the best but I'm not really keen on shelling out $165 for a new blazer this time of year.

I don't think we have to honor his request unless they take the transition jacket out of the FOM

Are you guys getting new uniforms? And is that translation jacket that Northfave style jacket I see a lot of you guys wearing? Seems pretty versatile but is it as warm as the leather jacket?

Not an AS guy, but hope to be one day - question on uniforms: what part(s) of the uniform do you buy and what does the company provide?

Edit: along the same lines, what other gear do you have to buy?

Yes it's the Nortface looking jacket. Beauty of it is zipping the collar all the way up to keep the -40* windchill out. Problem with it is that it doesn't breathe.

Only thing I remember the company providing was the belt & epaulettes. They've been talking new uniforms for 2 years but think the re-brand hold is putting the uniforms on hold as well.

Aside from the epaulette covers, does the company still give newhires a set of wings and the hat emblem?

As for the transition jacket not breathing, the arms are the worst part. If you're hoofin' it through the terminal, your arms will be drenched with sweat in no time.