Originally Posted by RJSAviator76

It seems that the vast majority of AT people are very happy, despite the loss of seniority. I met some who had applications at Southwest when the merger was announced and those guys felt like they won the lottery as they were prepared to start on the bottom of the list at year 1 pay.

I've only met 2 disgruntled Trannies in 5 years, and one of those readily admits that merging in at relative seniority would have been a huge windfall for AirTran as they had a far younger group.

The vast majority of guys say that it seemed like a bad deal at the time and felt like they were negotiating with a gun to their head, but over the course of their career, even after losing some seniority, virtually all admit they're far better off than they would have been at Tran.

Now, I've met plenty who complain about how we fly the plane and our procedures. I can relate to that. But overall, I'd say the overwhelming majority are great guys who are happy to be here and aren't a disgruntled bunch.

Originally Posted by e6bpilot

Your fair and balanced opinion and use of facts have no place here, sir.

Agreed. Overall a great group of guys. I have flown and simmed with a few one percenters from AT, but lord knows OSW has their fair share as well. The avoidance bid group in my base is all OG Southwest.

I generally find that the amount I enjoy flying with someone is directly proportional to the amount of time it takes for them to tell me that they used to be with airtran. If it comes out in the preflight briefing, the hair on the back of my neck generally stands up. It's the equivalent of "I'm pretty laid back".

Originally Posted by Zman81

Actually no the bottom 300+ got stapled. Other parts of the list lost up for 30%. The only thing we brought over was longevity. I expect the same deal for whoever gets bought.

Originally Posted by WHACKMASTER

Morris Cptns got downgraded to FO but GOT PAY PROTECTED AS CPTNS. Something downgrading AirTran cptns did not.

Originally Posted by RJSAviator76

If a captain with whom I've never flown with tells me he's "laid back", I tell him I'm a check FO who strictly enforces standardized callouts and proper checklist usage, the sterile cockpit below 10,000 feet, cockpit door discipline, and that all the chiefs and check airmen are my drinking buddies in case he can't take constructive criticism of his flying performance...

And then I gotta look away if I can't keep a straight face.

Originally Posted by DHC8DRV

Or another one I hate hearing, “I’m by the book”. That usually means I’m going to be filling out an ASAP by the end of the week

Originally Posted by CincoDeMayo

"you fly how you want"

Originally Posted by CA1900

"... unless you want to fly at ECON, do an RNP approach, configure 1 foot too early, miss the turnoff I wanted..."

Originally Posted by ZapBrannigan

A few minutes later the jetway pulls back so I turn on the beacon. He reaches up and turns it off.