AirTran vs. ATA

[Thunderchief]

ATA

To add some content to this thread, I have been on reserve for about 5 months and have been averaging 30hours/5-6 days gone for the month. The rest of the month is 12 hour reserve and my 12 days off. The 12 hour callup is kinda like a day off because I only live a coulple of hours from MDW.

I did bid a buildup line for Feb and ended up with 16 days off and 80hours of pay. I also got all weekends off. Not bad considering I have been here such a short time!

I did have a choice and choose ATA over Airtran. I think they're both great places but living close to MDW it was an easy decision.

Sensei, good luck in your decision.

-TC

 

[Newjetjockey]

AirTran's reserve system ain't that bad.

It works like this. The company has to pay you 3.5 hours for every day you sit reserve. Right now we are fat on FOs so they don't want to pay you over your minimum. Therefore they give you a bunch of days off. Last month FO reserve lines had 18 - 20 days off. This month its 16 - 19 days off.

Yes, we do occasionaly have to sit ready reserve but it can be used to your advantage on your last day on.

Yes, I would probably rather have ATA's reserve system but AirTran's is MUCH better than my old regionals reserve system. One of my classmates was furloughed from United. He says he likes our system better than Uniteds.

With all that said, It doesn't matter anyway because anyone getting hired now at Airtran will spend very little time on reserve.

 

[Fly-By-Cable]

Reserve QOL is one of the biggest issues that will be on a table for contract 2005 at AirTran, according to union leaders.

 

[FLB717]

A job at AAI or ATA is a LOT better than loading mulch at Home Depot.

 

[Ty Webb]

Yeah, but unloading mulch from your car or truck is better than being at work.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

AirTran's reserve system ain't that bad.

With all that said, It doesn't matter anyway because anyone getting hired now at Airtran will spend very little time on reserve.

As James Bond would say, "Never Say Never Again"

The little hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I hear absolute statements. What if....

 

[Ty Webb]

What is your point, FBJ?

If growth continues, reserves won't sit long, maybe a few months. . . . . If things slow down (not anticipated) then they may have to sit reserve for a while, but with mucho days off and at $40./hr. . . . . . ?

If you've got a better offer, go for it, but be careful what you wish for.

 

[herc17]

According to ATA's website, they are no longer accepting applications. Bummer.

 

[Afterprop]

From the web page . . .

"Due to the tremendous volume of resumes and applications ATA Airlines, Incorporated has received for pilot positions, we are no longer accepting new resumes. If you have already received an application, you may submit it for consideration."

If you have received an application, they will still accept it.

G'Luck to all

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

What is your point, FBJ?

If growth continues, reserves won't sit long, maybe a few months. . . . . If things slow down (not anticipated) then they may have to sit reserve for a while, but with mucho days off and at $40./hr. . . . . . ?

If you've got a better offer, go for it, but be careful what you wish for.

What if hiring, even temporarily, gets ahead of airplane deliveries for any number of reasons. I'm not trying to disrespect any part of Airtran. I just think you should'nt leave reserve issues out of negotiations because, "it won't matter when I have seniority." If you decide to move ATL in the future, you could benefit greatly. Believe me, I wish no airline pilot ill will (just despicable managements that have stolen money from their companies).

Regards,

FBJ

 

[herc17]

Sorry about that, it is resumes that they are not accepting. I stand corrected.

 

[Ty Webb]

Your point is well-taken. We were anticipating getting four aircraft before the end of 2003 that Boeing could not deliver (problems associatied w/ the Hawaian bankruptcy).

As a result, the guys hired in the 8/28 class have been on reserve for the past four or five months.

The good news is that with 14 planes coming this year, once the doors open again, these guys will move up quickly.