Coex is now a major

[AAflyer]

TCXPA@$(#$

Snippy aren't we. Do you commute? Have you ever stood in line to board a plane, or sat in a lounge area in uniform? Have you sat next to passengers in uniform on a plane and been asked who you fly for? Two years ago, even today say Comair, Skywest, etc and see the response you get. Then say well Delta connection, United Express, or American Eagle.

The response back, when will you fly the bigger planes? Well the response back to him is long and drawn out about it "not exactly being mainline". It get's confusing for them and actually me sometimes.

Much of the flying public is now very aware of the state of the industry and very curious as to our pay and benefits. Oh, but that is right you don't fly for an airline and deal with the above mentioned situations and would hardly understand about what I am talking about.

AAflyer

P.S. A little knowledge is scary thing!!!

 

[TXCAP4228]

TCXPA@$(#$
Oh, but that is right you don't fly for an airline and deal with the above mentioned situations and would hardly understand about what I am talking about.

I'm snippy?

The response back, when will you fly the bigger planes? Well the response back to him is long and drawn out about it "not exactly being mainline". It get's confusing for them and actually me sometimes.

Why does the conversartion have to devolve into "not exactly mainline"? You ARE an airline pilot, right? You fly for XXX. What is confusing about that? I am not confused at all.

Secondly, your first post talked about discussing your salary with your passengers. This is far and away a different issue than who you fly for.

Finally, and lets be honest, I think the real issue is about your ego. I suspect that you are the one who wants to talk to the passengers about this and not the other way around. For crying out loud, look at the tone of your email - that chip on your shoulder must weigh a ton.

I'm not trying to flame you here. My question about why your salary should be in ANY conversation with your passenger - your CUSTOMER - is legitimate. Put this in perspective... would you find it professional on the part of a bank teller to discuss his or her salary with him or her while standing in line at the bank?

If you think I am not qualified to make the next statement because I am not an airline pilot, so be it. If one of your customers asks you what your salary is, tell then you are a professional and just can't discuss that.

 

[AAflyer]

TXCP,

Let's not hijack this thread.
Yes, you do not understand a lot of this, you do not work and live in this enviroment, just as I am sure I would not be up to speed in yours.

I am done with this thread. Congrats Coex guys. I have a friends in CLE.

TXCP, if you have a problem with me, then send me a PM and we can hash it out in private.

AA

 

[flywithastick]

An observation from a wannabe airline career changer and experienced paying passenger.

Discussing the dirty laundry of professional flying with the typical passenger would be a very negative thing, IMO. If you want to talk about how AmericanEagle relates to AA, go ahead speaking in general terms only. keep the specifics of salary, scope & unions out of it.

I've flown my share of miles as a passenger, and believe me - most people do see airline pilots as a cut above the avg person. They have the perception of being sharp and fairly well if not highly paid - true or not.

To the outsider, you're generally looked at with respect. Don't ruin that by pi$$ing on their leg, complaining about salary, contracts or equipment.

99% of the time, all that matters in life is perception. Maintain your image and you'll generally be ahead in the game.

2¢ from the outside

 

[TXCAP4228]

AAFlyer, my intent was not to hijack the thread nor to insult you. I have no problem with you. All I asked was a simple question. Sorry you took offense to it.

 

[IAHERJ]

FlyWithaStick,

Very nice post. I think you are right on the money. I have spent 5 years commuting and almost every flight I commute on in uniform, the subject comes up. "Are you with this airline?" I reply "yes, I fly the 50 seat Embraer Jets that say Continental Express on the side."

We wear the same uniform as Continental right up to the wings and the passangers could care less about flow-throughs, scope, pay etc. When they ask me when I am going to move up and fly a larger jet like the MD-80, I have a new canned answer: "It might be longer than I expected but down the road I plan to move up".

IAHERJ