JB or Airtran?

[XBOEINGDRVR]

Got an offer from each.... just seeking other opinions on who to pick.

please no flames

 

[radarlove]

Where do you live? Commutes have a huge impact on quality of life. If you live in Long Island, JB. If you live in an Airtran base, then Airtran.

 

[AlbieF15]

I've had some clients have to make this choice, and it is tough.

Anyone who has done both or made the choice explain why? Perspective (not flames) are appreciated.

 

[Beaver_Liquors]

I would think the growth potential (ie ugrade) would be a lot higher at jet blue. AirTrans got a union. AirTran may also be slowing down deliveries. But I think in general you would be happy at either, sure beats the regional that i am working at.

bl

 

[Flying Freddie]

Left AirTran for JetBlue in 2002. Best choice I ever made in aviation. AirTran was a good place to work as far the the pilot group. I like David and Dave. Joe and Klaus don't like pilots. May not help you too much but that is my view.

 

[jetblue320]

There was a guy here a few months back named CatfishV19 or something like that, that was faced with the same choice. I think he went with AirTran if I am not mistaken. I am sure he could provide some insight to you.


Good luck and may all your decisions be as tough as this one!

C yaaa

 

[jehtplane]

Dude Jetblue without a doubt, faster upgrade, better starting pay, company not asking for concessions, yet anyway, Jetblue all the way!!!!

 

[GuinessGuy]

Congrats on your conundrum. You, my friend, are in quite a pickle, but a very sweet one.
If given the option, (and both airlines were based in Utopia, and you lived in Utopia, IE commuting is no concern) I would take the job at JB. Based on the fact that the faster growth is there. That gives you more relative seniority based on a growing list. Also, more dollars in your pocket based on faster upgrade.
I also prefer the JB corp culture.
Which interview, if any, made it move!!!!!!!!!
The one that caused movement is the one to go with.
Again, congrats and good luck.
Based on what's happening for you, YOU MUST BE DUE

 

[I.P. Freley]

I only wish I had such a conundrum!

 

[islandhoper]

Talk to catfishv19. He was in class with me at AirTran last June after being faced with the same dilema. Saw him this morning and asked him how he felt about his choice a year later and he said he couldn't be happier. He is a very educated guy straight out of the military. Needless to say he did a lot of research before choosing.

As far as flying freddy; don't know how things were back then (2002) but i really enjoy the pilot group at AirTran. So maybe they didn't like him... (just kidding)
In about a year I have about 250 people under me and upgrade should be in about a year and a half to two years. Most likely into a 737. Either way, both aircraft pay the same which is more than JB pays on the Embraer 190...
No signs of slowing our growth has been given except for the postings I see above this one. I wonder were they got that info from...

Congrats and good luck either way.

PM me if there is any info you need about AirTran that you think might help...

 

[SWA/FO]

Air Tran

 

[GogglesPisano]

Whatever you do, buy a lotto ticket, too.

 

[G4G5]

http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/content/view/44/36/

Pays about the same, I had a similar decision once, go with the eaiser commute or the one with the base you want to live in.

Biggest difference:
Airtran 10.5% b fund VS 3% 401k match Jetblue

 

[Falconjet]

Airtran: Union, better aircraft, better bases.

Just one opinion, worth what you paid for it.

Congrats on the choice.

FJ

 

[BrokenWing]

Airtran: Union, better aircraft, better bases.

Just one opinion, worth what you paid for it.

Congrats on the choice.

FJ

Union - Yeah we see what that's worth. I'm sure everyone feels that they're getting their money's worth with that one.

Better aircraft - Let's see, the 717 is dead. Have you been in the Bus? The cockpit of the Bus has got Boeing beat hands down.

Base(s)? - Has AirTran expanded out of ATL without telling anyone except FalconJet?

The bottom line is quality of life, i.e. pay and time off. If you live in domicile or have an easy commute then it should be an easy decision. If both require a commute, then you'll have to take a educated guess at where you think you'll have the better QOL down the raod. I would say that with JB's expansion plans you can't go wrong.

 

[llowwelll]

Tough decision! The advice on where the bases are located is good. That could be the deciding factor. However, here are some things to consider. 1) JB is approaching the cutoff date (don't know exactly when it is) to go straight to the Airbus. If you go straight to the E190, pay is substantially lower until you can make the switch. From what I understand, this could take a couple of years. 2) 10.5% B-Fund at AirTran. This is significant. 3) 50% override for all flying over 70 hrs at JB (according to Airlinepilotpay.com). This could also make a difference. 4) Upgrade time seems like it is about the same at both places. I was hired in Dec 04 and I'm roughly 10% up the seniority list right now. 5) Union protection at AirTran. 6) JB has been slightly more profitable than AirTran in the last couple of years. Whether or not that will continue is anybody's guess. 6) There has been talk at AirTran about slowing deliveries if fuel stays above $55/barrel. There is debate as to whether this talk is directed at the pilots during our negotiations or if it's a real possibility. Obviously, if it's true, that could slow our upgrade time.

 

[Flying Freddie]

As far as flying freddy; don't know how things were back then (2002) but i really enjoy the pilot group at AirTran. So maybe they didn't like him... (just kidding)


PM me if there is any info you need about AirTran that you think might help...

The pilot group was a great bunch of Guys/Gals. The Mgt guys were the ones that I was not crazy about. Sorry about the confusion.

 

[Fins Up]

I don't know squat about what follows, but here's what I have heard: JB will soon have to start paying for the airplanes and airport space that was fronted them to help them get started. Anyone know anything about this?

 

[Flying Freddie]

But the fuel will still be free for six more months!

 

[-9Capt]

You can't go wrong either way.

I've been at AirTran 7 years and like it alot. Airtran payscale is higher (our 12yr rate for the Bus is $173/hr, not that we have any). Reserve pilots can clean up, 100+ credit hrs a month. Management could be a bit more pilot friendly. The commute would be the deciding factor for me.