My guess is we (UAL) are interested in getting financing on new aircraft, or something to that effect and investors like long term stability, our management is predicting much better future profitability so better to negotiate now. They will probably try to offer modest tweaks and pay increases on same contract. Any scope relief or changes is just pure pilot speculation and our union is not open to giving wide scope relief for a few bucks. Plus realistically there isn't a regional that can staff as it is, who would we give rjs too anyway? I've jumpseated on you guys several times, great crews I hope you guys get this contract nailed!

It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out. I’ve read a couple of investment articles citing United’s degradation in operating margin. In fact, it is not out of the realm of possibility that they’ll LOSE money Q1 2018 if they don’t change their behavior. If they’re starting to lose money, how accepting to further raises will management be? And, I hate feeding uneducated trolls, but if we’re not in the same league, why is United attempting to mimic our business model?

They arent trying to mimic our business model, they are just matching fares to not lose market share. Basic Economy rollout has been kind of a failure from what I gather but lets be realistic. They have a warchest that could sink us if they really wanted too.........yes it would cost them millions but they have it.......

Good point on matching our fares vs. business model, there is a distinction and I blurred it.

With regards to United’s “war chest”, taking into account their whole balance sheet and operating costs and revenue performance , said “war chest” is more like a rainy day fund. Southwest on the other hand...

Famous words of Spirit Management: “If you want to drive a Mercedes go to United. If you’re okay with driving a Kia stay at Spirit.” - Jyri S.

Oh you mean the same guy who has been hiring guys without their ATP?......and got blasted from the FAA? That guy

Yeah, and hypocritical for JS who actually drives a Mercedes himself! Nothing like leading by example!

Don't be emotional and be realistic. Has nothing to do with self respect.

Go tell the ATI or Atlas guys that because they drive 767/747 and so does UPS they can ask and expect UPS wages. The business model is different and so are the margins.

Not the same and I can tell you that the atlas pilots do expect the same.

And what the heck is your purpose for managing down expectations. All it does is hurt us.

This actually happened?