What's still good about major airline flying?

[Fly4$]

I'm leaving the military next year to go fly for a major airline, the way I always planned it. What I have noticed that these forums seem to be filled with doom and gloom about my future job.

I would like to start this thread for all people entering the airline business, so they know there are still plenty of things to look forward to, and to give us all a little positive motivation.

Please don't hijack this thread for your complaints (which I'm sure every profession has plenty of) but please only sincere things that make this job still fun to do.

 

[flint4xx]

A half hour and no positive response. You can close this thread now.

 

[Whine Lover]

If you are a commuter you can remain in a state of perpetual adolescence via "the crash pad".

You get to sneak away from nagging girlfriends, wives, kids, etc. and sit in a cheap apartment with dumpster furniture drinking beer in your shorts and watching TV with the Guys all day.

Just like College....only you actually have a J.O.B.

When the Ball and Chain stares at you and says "what have you done for the past week?" the best part is:

A) She has NO idea and NO proof of what you were really doing . Whatever you say is Gospel.

and


B) You get to say " I've been working." and you aren't even lying.


YKW

 

[AA717driver]

Fly4--People bitch because it's not the "brass ring" job it once was. Coming in now, you know there are crappy work rules (although still better than a regional) and no defined benefit pension (although the DC plans will work pretty well).

Just remember: There are no guarantees in this or any other job. If you like--no, love flying, you will have a good time.

Was the military fun all the time? I doubt it. There will be days when you hate the job and days that are so good, you can't tell anyone outside the business because they can't comprehend it.

As I said before: You have to decide to be happy. Happiness won't come find you. Good luck. TC

 

[Whataburger]

Getting good money to sit on your a$$ and stare out the window all day while drinking free coffee is the job most people want. You can have that.

 

[Bavarian Chef]

Getting good money to sit on your a$$ and stare out the window all day while drinking free coffee is the job most people want. You can have that.

... at Southwest.

 

[General Lee]

I'm leaving the military next year to go fly for a major airline, the way I always planned it. What I have noticed that these forums seem to be filled with doom and gloom about my future job.

I would like to start this thread for all people entering the airline business, so they know there are still plenty of things to look forward to, and to give us all a little positive motivation.

Please don't hijack this thread for your complaints (which I'm sure every profession has plenty of) but please only sincere things that make this job still fun to do.

I still enjoy my job at Delta, but I am fairly senior and still making a pretty good wage. Most people don't start out that way, though. There is always that first year pay, and reserve that can cloud the dream. It takes a while to get comfortable with the pay and schedule, maybe a few years. 9-11 really did smack the "airline pilot lifestyle" with several BKs that affected average pay, and the introduction of RJs have shrunk many mainline fleets. Age 65 will stagnate many airline seniority lists, which will slow hiring. Once you are on with an airline, save money and invest in 401Ks and DC programs. Pensions at most airlines are gone or could be gone in the next dip. Overall, it is a good job if you can withstand the first couple years of lower pay and worse QOL. If you can get past that, then you can be comfortable, but never really totally secure. Just don't be a big spender and enjoy loved ones. An airline with a little variety (maybe a domestic and INTL operation) may keep you more interested in the flying part over time. Good luck.


Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[FurloughedAgain]

Holy crap. General Lee just wrote an ENTIRE POST that I agree with!

The apocalypse is upon us...

 

[SWAdude]

General,

Fairly senior? Are you not an FO?

 

[FurloughedAgain]

FOs can be senior on the FO list. Either way, he's unlikely to get furloughed unless the airline shuts down.