fecav8r

Like a lot of the threads here, they morph into something totally unrelated to the initial idea. It gets personal, someone gets an eye poked out and then the rock fight aint as much fun anymore. if Jet Blue is the carrier that Gunter thinks it is, then I would suggest he advise his "friend" to stay. I just don't remember there ever being a thread titled "Should I stay at SWA or go to JB?"

CALPilotToo

EXACTLY!

Nothing negative here about JB. Good airline. But come on. 35 years compaired to 8. 500 jets compaired to 110.

Gunter

I think you misunderstand me. I'm just trying to say JetBlue is not as bad as some of you say. SWA came from humble beginnings too. When people get their ID they tend to think it is, and forever will be, the best job on the planet.

I'm thinking the JetBlue pilots are a little tired of the JetBlue bashing, which I do not do. But I do try to explore the negatives at each company. Some may improve over a career, some may not. Some negatives may unravel a company over time and others don't matter.


BTW, this is a "personal" issue if there ever was one. I'm not taking it personally but I do think I understand what this JetBlue pilot is going thru. I had to figure out if I wanted to work for SWA, JetBlue or Airtran. I didn't know if I would get the choice but I did. Everyone should have a threshold of pain to make them jump to another company. Remember those UAL pilots that started JetBlue? That was some brilliantly timed jumping. On the flip side, I've also met many a former UAL pilot that started at UAL in 2000. They say they realized the party was over and may have made a bad decision shortly after they started the line. They just weren't mentally prepared to jump at that point. They said the furlough was good for them because they got motivated to interview at SWA or FedEx. I've met some actively flying DAL and UAL folks who recently started at SWA. They were hired at their old companies in the '96-'97 time frame. Are they dumb or smart like a fox for moving as SWA expands the fleet from 490 to 600? We'll find out in a few years.

I still advise said JetBlue person to jump to SWA....They would be leaving good for better...But not in 3 or 4 years. Then I would advise to stay at JetBlue if they still look as good. By then upgrades for newhires at SWA will probably be too long. And if JetBlue is still looking good they will likely be around a long time. Giving up over 4 years of seniority might be losing too much.

Gman

757Driver – I don’t believe in apologies. You edit your post to remove the ‘moron’ comment only to continue the insults with your ‘Jet Blow’ name calling. Plus where do you get your information? JetBlue is taking delivery of a new airplane every 2-3 weeks. 17 A320s are being delivered this year, 5 are sold for a net gain of 12. Being launch customer for the E190 was a bold move but the reliability has been coming up to A320 levels recently. I never said we were immune to anything.
Facts my friend, facts.

duvie – I try not to ‘believe’ in any company but try to base my decisions/advice on facts. Why is any good comment about JBLU ‘propaganda’ (check for the correct spelling) and any negative comment the accepted truth? Do you think that all the good folks who are working for SWA are so brainwashed that they have nothing to critique at their own company? You can always improve something, if you think you can’t then you are doomed.

CALPilotToo – make it 35 years compared to 6, not 8. After the AA and TWA ‘merger’ they had almost 900 aircraft. What does that mean? Nothing, they still are one lousy company. Will SWA have 600, 700 or 800 airplanes sometime – probably. Will they still be the good company to work for that they used to be – don’t know. That’s what I am trying to figure out guys. Take out the emotions out of the argument. It’s like arguing
with my wife…

fecav8r – Good post, welcome to the rock fight.

Gunter – I really enjoy reading your posts and would like to thank you for the time and effort. I will take your advice. You are a credit to your organization…

LuvJockey

Where are you getting your info on SWA upgrade times?

Gunter

Math. Planes likely to be on the property and retirements. Lots of young pilots at Southwest.

When a newhire gets on the property to fly that 600th plane, we aren't going to be looking at 5-6 year upgrades anymore. Not unless you think SWA will move toward a 900+ plane fleet.


All a guess. Maybe we'll be looking at a 1000 plane fleet by 2015 or 2020.

OscartheGrouch

Gman

Try not to be so sensitive about knicknames. I am sure you never heard anything like "Southworst" while you were in training.

OscartheGrouch

Gman

I have been reading this thread from the beginning and have a comment or two (or more).

First and foremost the JBLU pilots have a lot of work to do because of one person. Neeleman is a brilliant man but I doubt he will allow a union on property without a fight. He coudn't get along at SWA even with a 7 million dollar bank account or pay attention in meetings. Until the pilots have a union there will be no improvements of any substance (i.e. pay, retirement, scheduling, etc.)

I only have a couple things I would like from those who come to SWA. Come with a good attitude and NO REGRETS! If your buddy can't do that then tell him to stay at JBLU. We don't need anybody whining about paying for their type rating or telling us how great their previous job was. Basically we don't need them urinating in ou pool water. We have had enough people slip through cracks but they have been strangely silent of late.

Tell your buddy good luck! I have been there. I left Pan Am 10 months before they went into bankruptcy. God was looking out for me and my family.



P.S. I also agree with you about the cleanliness of our aircraft especially late in the day. It is tough to clean thoroughly with 25 minute turns. I am now motivated to help out even more than I do. Thanks!

757Driver

Fine, apology retracted. Your so high on the company koolaid that talking to you is like calling up Jet Blews PR department and asking just how they compare with Southwest.

I'll say it again, your airline will never measure up to Southwest ever. Your slam of them was posted well before I started in on you.

I can see you started this thread solely to spread the "News" that SWA is a tired, old beat-up airline. Isn't true and never will be. Hell, I don't work for either so I don't have a vested stake in this one at all.

duvie

I agree completely. There does seem to be quite a bit of company Koolaid consumed on internet forums. You have brought up many good points about Jet Blue and many negatives about Southwest. Often facts are ignored and name-calling prevails here. This has been one of the more informative threads I have read recently

The intentions of my previous post weren't clear. What I meant to say is:

You have a lot of good points, but you seem like you already have your mind made up. Was there ever really a question in your mind (about which company to go to)?