Pilot pay is a small percentage of overall expense.

Using back of the envelope math, let's assume the average flight in an ERJ is 2 hours (it's actually much less so this is conservative). Let's assume the average plane leaves with an also conservative 50 pax. That means each $1 a pax pays extra is $25/hr. Doubling FO pay would cost another $50 an hr and doubling CA pay is another $100 an hr (again, both conservative). That's $150 an hr extra cost, or $300 for an average 2 hr flight. 300/25 = $12 per ticket extra.

I realized an error in my math while typing it out, so its roughly 12 instead of 6. Still, the point is the same. Hardly a deal breaker, and these are all conservative numbers so the true cost would be lower.

I really don’t want to engage in the conversation of speculative costs, but do you realize that employers have to pay tax that equates to approximately 15-18% of an employee’s salary, plus there are other costs as well? Unless you’re a corporate financial expert, it is very difficult to predict the actual cost.

CRJ200 captain moves 200 people a day and that is an EXTRA $1200 for the day if the tickets go up $6. Until the customers stop buying a $400 intermediary purchase it can increase 2%. 6 is random but it illustrates the solution well.

That makes sense. The math might not be perfect. When you fly a 175/700 to a market that is only severed by OO I don’t think a 6-15 dollar price difference is going to be the difference between them buying the ticket and them saying no.


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Lol ok man, add 20% and that bumps it up to $14.40. Doesn't change the point. We aren't talking about numbers that are deal breakers. I'm not trying to predict the actual cost, just illustrate a point.

I hear ya. It’s a good point too.

This is truth.

Compare fuel costs: it’s gone to over $1 a *pound* most places. Even with volume, prepaids and hedging strategies, the recent rise in fuel prices has been a much bigger cost hit. But the number-crunchers know once pay goes up, it’s not coming down without a BK or other severe event that will have repercussions. So unless/until it’s truly a matter of survival, smart, penny-pinching bean counters will resist it. Apologists among the pilot group don’t mean to be unwitting allies of the bean counters; everyone has to do what is right for them, and for some, status quo works. Others will move on to meet their needs. Capitalism….ain’t it grand?

For me, when someone shows me who they are, I believe ‘em. Do what’s right for you and your family.

When is there going to be an announcement?

I'm tired of waiting.

I also want to know this, hopefully before I accept a job offer for them