2022: Year of the Spirit Stepping Stone
 

For those interested in leaving due to the announcement of the Frontier merger, where are you wanting to go — or already left or about to leave to — this year and why?

Forgive my ignorance here but wouldn’t a move to WN for anyone more senior than a 2-3 year FO be considered a somewhat lateral move? I understand those wanting to go to DL/UA/AA with retirements and WB flying but otherwise I don’t get it. Ex you’re a 3rd year NK FO living in MCO wanting to go to WN and be MCO based. Would that be a situation where it would be dumb to leave NK?

You won’t upgrade in the next decade, but you’d probably make more money. If that’s a thing.

This. A line holding FO at WN would make more than a sub-12 year reserve CA here.

More money? Definitely.

Also … Southwest is a dominant force and growing to 1,000 jets. Don’t think they’re just going to roll over and die with the rise of the Spirontier merger. Southwest seems more stable and a much more likable brand, for whatever that’s worth.

WN has been “growing to 1000 jets” for the last decade, and currently only have the manpower to fly 3/4’s of their schedule. Definitely a more stable and likable company, but they’re having the same problems we are. There’s a greater career progression and ability to fly anything other than the guppy at the other members of the Big 4. It’s currently a better job than ULULCC, and a great place to hang your hat. It’s not the end all be all anymore much to their consternation.

Southwest canceled over 2000 flights last month. They aren't some rainbow on the horizon

I left NK after 2 years. Went to UA late last year. Doing the math I will have far better seniority at UA than I would have had staying at NK after about 10 years time. That was the biggest reason. Pay if you count profit sharing drastically favored UA as I was in my 20s when I was hired at UA. I also want to live somewhere NK doesn't have a base at and have been commuting the whole time. I'm a west coast guy and hate the LAS flying. UA flying isn't nearly as fatiguing as the 3 nights of red-eye flying or jungle turning. Was probably halfway up the FO list and couldn't bid away from it still. Everything I left for may change, especially now with the merger, but I made my decision based on what was current at the time.

With all that being said I liked NK. Crews were great and I'd be hard pressed to find a more laid back work environment. I just think there's better opportunities out there for me.

Airline cultures and QOL can change very quickly, especially during/after a merger. Just because Spirit may be a good place to be today in terms of QOL doesn't mean that it will be even tolerable a year from now.

If you are looking at airlines, look at longevity. Which airlines will still be in business in 20 years. Which airlines have the best hubs/route structure. Which airlines have the infrastructure to support the continued success of the airline and any future needs. Which airline will give you the best chance of having a long and successful career.

I would rather have a solid 30 year career with constant career progression as opposed to "It's a relaxed place to fly and has good crews", but then you have to start over again and again as airlines go out of business.

That is what is important.

Someone really drank the koolaid at the AAG WO recruitment booth