Airlines vs. Fractionals, Analysis Anyone?!?

[jetfo]

Can anyone help compare and contrast airline QOL vs. Fractional QOL. Clearly, there are pros and cons to each lifestyle and having spent most of my life on the airline side, I am not sure I know the differences.

What I am trying to compare are the best of both worlds, that being NetJets and CitationShares vs. CAL, JetBlue, Frontier, etc..

I know that there are more and more airline pilots that are seeking refuge in the fractional world and I though this might be a good topic of discussion, particularly in view of the impending furloughs at NWA, DAL, Independence, Mesaba, etc..

Coming from several generation of airline pilots, I never thought I would think of going elsewhere, but times change and the QOL and stability has significantly deteriorated at even the former premiere legacy carriers.

I think it would be particularly interesting to hear from those that have been on both sides, or are in the process of making the transition and the reasons therefore.

Thanks for your comments and Happy New Year and best of luck to All!

 

[Guitar Guy]

I moved from a regional to a fractional a little over a year ago. Prior to that, I worked as an engineer for a 121 carrier. In fact, when I first started at the regional level, it was with the goal of returning to the major I had previously worked for.

But 9/11 changed that. After a lot of thought, I chose the fractional route. I did that based on several thoughts. First, the airlines are struggling pretty hard and the fractionals are not part of that fray - they cater to a different clientele, for the most part. Second, I got very tired of flying the same routes over and over... and over... and over. Third, I don't have to commute in order to live where I want and I keep the airline points when my company flies me around. Fourth, I now have a schedule where I work a week and am off a week - no 4-day trips followed by a 2- or 3-day break. Fifth, I stay in nice hotels and I keep my hotel points. Lastly, I don't necessarily have to retire at age 60, though it's possible that rule might change for the 121 folks.

Downsides to the frac route? Some say no jumpseating and non-revving is a drawback, but given how jam-packed the 'lines are these days, I don't miss it. Some guys and gals want to fly "big iron" like 767's, A340's or other widebodies, but that doesn't interest me - I really enjoy the smaller jets. Some people like the prestige of flying for a recognized airline. And some people enjoy a more predictable flight schedule.

Bottom line - there are pro's and con's to each type of flying. Do a lot of research, ask pilots in both industries and see what works best for you. Good luck!

 

[jetfo]

Bottom line - there are pro's and con's to each type of flying. Do a lot of research, ask pilots in both industries and see what works best for you. Good luck![/quote]

Thanks for your input Guitar and good luck!

 

[FLYLOW22]

Search some of the other threads named NJA vs. Brand X. My fingers are still smoking from those exchanges.