Does working at a ULCC mean you deserve less?
01-02-2024 | 11:28 AM
#41
The REAL Bluedriver
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,935
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From: Airbus Capt
As a former LCC pilot, I take your point. There have been points in history where a particular pilot may be better off at a LCC.
Fact is, those times are the exception and not the norm. Your post raised another point. NK and B6 have guys furloughed from legacy carriers. They didn’t just get up and decide to leave.
No doubt, they’ve done very well for themselves, but the fact is that almost all the movement is from LCC to a legacy.
Should LCC guys get paid legacy rates? Absolutely. But it’s going to take time, and in that time, some opt to just go to a legacy and get the money now. All things being equal, they’ll come out ahead. They’re not any better just because their airline has been around longer.
Fact is, those times are the exception and not the norm. Your post raised another point. NK and B6 have guys furloughed from legacy carriers. They didn’t just get up and decide to leave.
No doubt, they’ve done very well for themselves, but the fact is that almost all the movement is from LCC to a legacy.
Should LCC guys get paid legacy rates? Absolutely. But it’s going to take time, and in that time, some opt to just go to a legacy and get the money now. All things being equal, they’ll come out ahead. They’re not any better just because their airline has been around longer.
Like I've said before, this industry is ALWAYS changing.
01-11-2024 | 05:01 AM
#42
Banned
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 718
Likes: 9
This is the line of thinking I am hearing from pilots. “We are the highest paid ULCC” as a justification for making less than other airline pilots.
Working at a company that has a low fare business model does not make you worth less as a pilot. You are still responsible for the aircraft and hundreds of lives day in and day out. You had to work just as hard to get an ATP. You can still be violated by the FAA. Why does the company’s business model matter?
You deserve to be paid as much as the Jetblue or Delta pilot who does the same exact job. One could argue that being a Spirit pilot is more difficult with the more densely packed aircraft and higher incidence of passenger issues to deal with. Should you get paid more for that? The argument can be made.
In the upcoming JCBA negotiations great things can be accomplished. Don’t settle for less.
Working at a company that has a low fare business model does not make you worth less as a pilot. You are still responsible for the aircraft and hundreds of lives day in and day out. You had to work just as hard to get an ATP. You can still be violated by the FAA. Why does the company’s business model matter?
You deserve to be paid as much as the Jetblue or Delta pilot who does the same exact job. One could argue that being a Spirit pilot is more difficult with the more densely packed aircraft and higher incidence of passenger issues to deal with. Should you get paid more for that? The argument can be made.
In the upcoming JCBA negotiations great things can be accomplished. Don’t settle for less.
Spirit pilots should make less than Legacy pilots because Spirit pilots ass a whole view themselves as a devalued work group. In 2018, 70% voted to make significantly less than Legacy Pilots. In 2022, 70% again voted to make significantly less than Legacy Pilots. As long as 70% of the group keep saying things like…… “It’s just Spirit!” “The ULCC business model can’t afford it.” “Spirit will never pay what Delta pays!!” “We don’t need to make that money because of our work rules.” Then Spirit management will keep owning you guys at the Negotiating table.
01-11-2024 | 06:15 AM
#43
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 3,457
Likes: 26
Spirit pilots should make less than Legacy pilots because Spirit pilots ass a whole view themselves as a devalued work group. In 2018, 70% voted to make significantly less than Legacy Pilots. In 2022, 70% again voted to make significantly less than Legacy Pilots. As long as 70% of the group keep saying things like…… “It’s just Spirit!” “The ULCC business model can’t afford it.” “Spirit will never pay what Delta pays!!” “We don’t need to make that money because of our work rules.” Then Spirit management will keep owning you guys at the Negotiating table.
I look at it the other way around. Legacy pilots don’t get the quality of life that Spirit pilots get.
you have to ask yourself. Does that extra money make you that much happier or would you rather have quality of life?
01-11-2024 | 06:33 AM
#44
Line Holder
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 949
Likes: 58
And...you're the poster child for that guy's post. "Is the extra $ worth it"
Maybe not to you, but that doesn't mean the entire pilot group should be worth less IMO.
Last edited by 60av8tor; 01-11-2024 at 06:49 AM.
01-11-2024 | 07:31 AM
#45
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Joined: Dec 2022
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I was thinking the same thing.
Counterpoint though is when you have a mangament group that just says no and the NMB puts you on ice for months and you know you won’t get released where do go?
01-11-2024 | 07:49 AM
#46
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Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 270
Likes: 4
This sentiment always makes me laugh, particularly when you occasionally have Ex Spirit pilots at legacies visit these forums and say "Yes, my QOL is much better now, I am making more money and working less" But some of you just put your fingers in your ears and act like they are deluded.
01-11-2024 | 09:40 AM
#48
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 74
This is also sort of a byproduct of having such a young pilot group. When you are in your early 20's you think $30K is like $300K. As you age, gain responsibilities, expenses and toys, you later realize that every $$$ can be put to good use.
01-11-2024 | 10:42 AM
#49
Line Holder
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 20
From: 60’s Tech, Right
01-11-2024 | 10:53 AM
#50
Line Holder
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 949
Likes: 58
For sure and understood. Not saying there's an easy way to get there from here. Wish there was for everyone.
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