I forget exactly what I said about this the last time it came up, but this time I just can't see an overall positive for this proposal.
In relation to the entire industry, the number of daytime transcons are less than a drop in the bucket.
Let's first set down a few concepts that I hope we can all agree on:
1. If implemented, the exemption will become industy standard.
2. If implemented, this exemption will be abused.
3. If implemented, management will find a way to re-interpret this into something not currently seen, and the re-interpretation will not be in the favor of pilots.
I am not willing to support a plan that enhances the QOL for a few senior Blue JFK based pilots, but could end up degrading safety and QOL for everyone. As others have said, if JetBlue wants to fly out and back transcon, current rules already allow that as long as they use additional pilots. JetBlue management knew the rules of operation when they started their airline. Now they need to play by the rules.
PLEASE NOTICE THAT I, IN NO WAY, AM PAINTING ANY JETBLUE PILOT AS BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROPOSAL. JETBLUE PILOTS ARE NON-UNION, AND THEY HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THESE SITUATIONS. (not that ALPA has done much lately either, but fifty years ago ALPA DID gain some reasonable work rules)
With all that said, I'd be happy to let JetBlue have this if we lived in a perfect world. A world where: the original exemption would never be changed, where my company would never change my base forcing me to commute, a world where the w/x never took a dump at the worst possible time, a world where airplanes didn't break at the gate, where wheelchairs were banned from airports, ......I think that you get my drift.
Look people, if airlines want to be in the business of people transportation, there are certain inviolable costs in that business. One of which is that the FAR's must be followed. Would we all be so quick to accept a new exemption that allows you to depart with only enough fuel to the destination and no reserve if it let you get home one day earlier. I wouldn't! Let's leave well enough alone. OK?
ramble over,
enigma