Air Tran Bid: Is it closed? Results?

[Lear70]

This is incorrect. U will know your temporary/"build-up" base while in training. If a vacancy award comes out while you're in class, you'll know your base as well.

Same basic idea... we won't know until we get there and are in class.

 

[redflyer65]

I imagine most people bid for QOL/base. It's all a personal preference and as stated above, it's water under the bridge. Let's roll..

 

[saabcaptain]

A lot AirTran guys/gals bid 717 CA because they knew at the very latest Jan 1, 2015 they will get SWA Captain cash. If they bid SWA 737 FO they would have gotten a slight overall bump in pay / and large QOL enhancement much sooner but would have risked not being able to get back into the left seat as quickly when Jan 1, 2015 came if we weren't upgrading at that time (I think we will be, but it was a risk.) These dynamics have nothing to do with the implications by Lear70 that he was right all those months ago when he said being a Captain was more important than the SWA money, in fact I think the way this bid shakes out is going to be very much about the money (with a little desire to control QOL mixed in.)

I am looking forward to a point in the future when all our badges say "XXXXXX... is the Spirt of Southwest."

 

[humveedriver]

This is true. Lots of angry people on our internal forum, and Lear is trying to calm everyone down and get them to move forward. Attacking him makes no sense.

I think you're embellishing a little. The SAME people who have been bitching since day one on that forum are still bitching. Lear made a very appropriate comment on one thread (which I gave him props for). Basically, what he said was, let people vent once and for all on their own schedule, and then we can finally put it to rest. If anything it's a putting the negativity to rest period.

 

[LeeRoyJenkins]

This is true. Lots of angry people on our internal forum, and Lear is trying to calm everyone down and get them to move forward. Attacking him makes no sense.

Angry people? Yeah, I guess I would be angry too if I won the lottery.

 

[Ty Webb]

I bid 717CA because it gave me the best guarantee to keep a short, one-leg commute for the longest amount of time.

It looked to me like most guys who bid 717 CA already live in ATL or the Tampa area. Many of the senior guys who bid 737 FO live near MCO or other SWA domiciles.

Regards,
TW

 

[vixin]

Lear70 that he was right all those months ago when he said being a Captain was more important than the SWA money, in fact I think the way this bid shakes out is going to be very much about the money (with a little desire to control QOL mixed in.)

The problem with that statement is with the 717 CA now, comes the SWA CA money. So Lear70 didn't know anything about keeping seats then. As many of us where saying. Do you honestly think they would have bid 717 CA if they would have never received SWA CA pay? It's always been about the money and QOL. You kind of contradict yourself. It has never been about once a CA always a CA and they deserve that seat. This result shows it is more about money. Some are more risk tolerant then others. Very lucky to have the option I would say.

 

[Ty Webb]

The problem with that statement is with the 717 CA now, comes the SWA CA money.

Since 717CA will stay on AirTran pay until January 1, 2015 I'm guessing it's more about the shorter-term . . . guys wanting to stay in ATL or TPA domiciles.

Of course, our Pilots with multiple ex-wives (or multiple current wives) may be looking towards that future raise.

 

[Skyboy722]

Thread creep.....

Does anyone know how to get to that great interactive SWA/AT seniority projector? I believe it was done by an A/T guy, and it was far superior to anything our union gave us...

 

[shootr]

myseniority.com

 

[redflyer65]

Since 717CA will stay on AirTran pay until January 1, 2015 I'm guessing it's more about the shorter-term . . . guys wanting to stay in ATL or TPA domiciles.

Of course, our Pilots with multiple ex-wives (or multiple current wives) may be looking towards that future raise.

This is pretty much it in a nutshell.

 

[chris69]

Slaquer5, I think you're comments with respect to Lear's attitude are somewhat harsh. We are all on the same team now, and while he was passionate during the lengthy debate, he has probably been one of the best at putting things behind him and in perspective moving forward. What I conclude from Lear’s rather good analysis is that it really isn’t about just the seat but, significantly QOL, and what one thinks they will be able to hold on Jan 2015. The movement, I believe, will be amazingly fluid and the options open to all of us at that point, significant. I would assume that those who live in one of the 8 SWA domiciles wouldn’t mind driving to work, and if already qualified on the 737, take the paid drink fest to DAL for “training.” Both SWA and the Transformers have, without exception, bad apples that will refuse to “get over it.” But boards like these - while sometimes over heated with vitriol, disrespect and otherwise filled with bitter enmity and things that we wouldn’t say in each other’s presence - do have a cathartic purpose.

Moving forward, I think most will be positive except for the always bitter PPruner’s and SWAPA forum regulars. Remember, even with a sputtering economy, WE, are poised nicely to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. The only negative I can see may be on the East Coast as the fences come down and it becomes a free for all.

New Jet order schedule:
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/12/southwest-airlines-lays-out-59.html
or
http://www.pprune.org/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Faviationblog.dallasnews.com%2Farchives%2F2011%2F12%2Fsouthwest-airlines-lays-out-59.html

Obviously, the 300’s (165) and 500’s (25) as of 30 Sep 11 will be retired one for one according to the CFO, but there should be growth. Just read on the SWAPA site a copy of the AT MEC Chair that mentions 2%.

As for rumors, we had a guy out of the training house on the JS who now says they’re peddling the following:
-DEN base announced soon (thought this was out but seems back on the table).
-LAX base for ETOPS this Fall.
-500’s gone by end of next year along with some 300’s as well.
-Big push to the South before HI.
-By 2015 this place will see huge change. If above rumors true 12 total domiciles equals huge flexibility or vacancy confusion if you have my bidding skills.

And facts:
-265 retirements by Jan 1 2015.
-140 new hires starting training in 1Q 2012.
-Profit sharing for all NOW.

 

[Toecutter]

Any talk of an ATL 737 domicile?

 

[Ty Webb]

Slaquer5, I think you're comments with respect to Lear's attitude are somewhat harsh. We are all on the same team now, and while he was passionate during the lengthy debate, he has probably been one of the best at putting things behind him and in perspective moving forward. What I conclude from Lear’s rather good analysis is that it really isn’t about just the seat but, significantly QOL, and what one thinks they will be able to hold on Jan 2015. The movement, I believe, will be amazingly fluid and the options open to all of us at that point, significant. I would assume that those who live in one of the 8 SWA domiciles wouldn’t mind driving to work, and if already qualified on the 737, take the paid drink fest to DAL for “training.” Both SWA and the Transformers have, without exception, bad apples that will refuse to “get over it.” But boards like these - while sometimes over heated with vitriol, disrespect and otherwise filled with bitter enmity and things that we wouldn’t say in each other’s presence - do have a cathartic purpose.

Moving forward, I think most will be positive except for the always bitter PPruner’s and SWAPA forum regulars. Remember, even with a sputtering economy, WE, are poised nicely to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. The only negative I can see may be on the East Coast as the fences come down and it becomes a free for all.

New Jet order schedule:
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/12/southwest-airlines-lays-out-59.html
or
http://www.pprune.org/redirect-to/?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Faviationblog.dallasnews.com%2Farchives%2F2011%2F12%2Fsouthwest-airlines-lays-out-59.html

Obviously, the 300’s (165) and 500’s (25) as of 30 Sep 11 will be retired one for one according to the CFO, but there should be growth. Just read on the SWAPA site a copy of the AT MEC Chair that mentions 2%.

As for rumors, we had a guy out of the training house on the JS who now says they’re peddling the following:
-DEN base announced soon (thought this was out but seems back on the table).
-LAX base for ETOPS this Fall.
-500’s gone by end of next year along with some 300’s as well.
-Big push to the South before HI.
-By 2015 this place will see huge change. If above rumors true 12 total domiciles equals huge flexibility or vacancy confusion if you have my bidding skills.

And facts:
-265 retirements by Jan 1 2015.
-140 new hires starting training in 1Q 2012.
-Profit sharing for all NOW.

Nice post. There will be some near-term pain, but over the long run, hopefully, it will be beneficial for all.

 

[PCL_128]

Any talk of an ATL 737 domicile?

Our Merger Committee is saying that it probably won't be until after the transition is complete in 2015.

 

[dicko]

Our Merger Committee is saying that it probably won't be until after the transition is complete in 2015.

Well, that settles it then. :erm:

 

[Uppercrust]

This is true. Lots of angry people on our internal forum, and Lear is trying to calm everyone down and get them to move forward. Attacking him makes no sense.

Maybe just on your forum but not what I encountered. I jumseated on Airtran yesterday and both the Captain and F/O were excited in a positive way and said they got off like bandits regarding the seniority list. The Captain was downgrading and the F/O was going to the 717. Neither one said they were angry and both said several times how most pilots over there were excited about the seniority list and thought it was actually better than what they expected. I quote the Capatin "I was planning on a staple and would have been happy but with this list I am ecstatic and even fell a little guilty towards the swa guys."

 

[dicko]

Maybe just on your forum but not what I encountered. I jumseated on Airtran yesterday and both the Captain and F/O were excited in a positive way and said they got off like bandits regarding the seniority list. The Captain was downgrading and the F/O was going to the 717. Neither one said they were angry and both said several times how most pilots over there were excited about the seniority list and thought it was actually better than what they expected. I quote the Capatin "I was planning on a staple and would have been happy but with this list I am ecstatic and even fell a little guilty towards the swa guys."

A modern classic. Kudos sir. I'd suggest an update to Wiki immediately.

 

[Ky.BrownBourbn]

Our Merger Committee is saying that it probably won't be until after the transition is complete in 2015.

Not sure which group knows more (or less) and this thing is probably pretty Fluid right now BUT...
Not what I heard last week from a SW ACP, they are told announcement in Jan. 2012 for opening first quarter 2013. CP is leaving MCO in Jan. To become A/T "liason" for SW management in ATL.

Later,
KBB

 

[PCL_128]

Not sure which group knows more (or less) and this thing is probably pretty Fluid right now BUT...
Not what I heard last week from a SW ACP, they are told announcement in Jan. 2012 for opening first quarter 2013. CP is leaving MCO in Jan. To become A/T "liason" for SW management in ATL.

Later,
KBB

I hope you're right. Much like Dicko, I don't place a whole lot of value on what our MC says, so I'd bet your ACP has better info. It would be much better for our pilots if a 737 domicile opened in ATL, and I'm sure there are plenty of SWA pilots interested in a new domicile as well.