JB or Airtran?

[SWPA Pilot]

I would be cautious of going to a company based on future plans for growth and expansion, a lot of that could just be positive talk and you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. I would look at who has the stronger company now and who is most likely to stay in the black. The fact that AirTran made it in Delta's back yard is a good sign that they know how to run their company. The fact that JB made it as a start-up is a good sign. I have worked for a company with a union and one without. Things were much better with the union. But it helped that the union company was making money while the other one wasn't. Things get messy during negotiations, but that is all part of the poker game. Good luck with the decision.

I'd take AirTran, but I'd keep an application in with UPS and FedEx.

 

[Fins Up]

Anybody know if JB or AirTran use a conversion factor for military flight time? I understand JB used to.

 

[Longhorn]

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?

When will this crap end....give me a break. Do your research, we have been paying for them.

 

[Falconjet]

BW: Do you have something against Atlanta?

I'd much prefer that to any of the bases at jB (LGB, FLL and JFK).

Just my opinion, thanks for sharing yours.

FJ

 

[BSkin]

I was also in the class w/ CatfishVT9, and saw him the other day. He is happy, as most of us are here. However, he lives in Florida--not always an easy commute up to the ATL, at the time, a lot easier than the JB option. Not sure if that was his thinking. Then again, one of the guys that pumped me up on FL left during upgrade training to go to JB, though I think pu--------tang was involved, that and an easier commute to the NE. Either way, congrats on your problem of choosing.

 

[AlbieF15]

Anyone who would make such an important choice base on poon....


sorry my reply was late. Wife just called me in for second. What were we taking about, exactly??

 

[BrokenWing]

BW: Do you have something against Atlanta?

I'd much prefer that to any of the bases at jB (LGB, FLL and JFK).

Just my opinion, thanks for sharing yours.

FJ

I have nothing against Atlanta; in fact I thinks it's an awesome city. You missed my point - where are their other bases that you mentioned in your first post? You specifically stated, "better bases."

 

[CatfishVT9]

Well my ears should have been burning.......


Sorry for the slow reply buy I was in line for Star Wars tickets the last few days. Okay, so I was on a trip and left the box at home.

It's true I did have an offer from JB and AirTran and had to decide. I am still convinced that I made the right choice. I do believe that Jet Blue is a fine company, but overall, AirTran is a better fit for me.

I do commute out of Fla. I live halfway between TPA and MCO so both are available, but TPA is easier from a traffic standpoint and a bit fewer guys to compete with for the jumpseat. JB has about the same # of flights every day, but I gave the edge to AirTran for a litle bit shorter leg to ATL. Never been bumped yet, but I've ridden the JS a bunch. I'd hate to ride that board to JFK, but maybe the bus seat is more comfortable.

One thing that I considered was the history of both companies. JB has done great, but AirTran has a proven ability to prosper in some difficult times and with head to head competition from Delta. I heard a Captain once call us the "scrappy upstart" and that seems to be true.

I personally think the "B" plan is a better deal than profit sharing. JB may have a bigger upside during good times, but the "B" plan is a guaranteed deposit every month (after 1st year), so add 10.5% to AirTran's pay rates. I don't know how aircraft assignments go with JB, but if you'll have to start on the EMB, AirTran's pay rates are far better (this wasn't an issue when I interviewed). We have no plans for different pay rates for 717 vs. 737.

You can also try to take some of the emotion out of the decision by reviewing how you felt before your interview. When I reflected on what my thoughts of the 2 companies were prior to interviewing, the choice became clearer. This assumes you have done your research and know the details of both companies.

Hope this helps! Although I chose AirTran, I don't think any less of JB. So make a choice that fits you and good luck!

Catfish

 

[TheTIC]

You will probably be happy at either place. I guess the only way you will know is to fast forward to age 60 and look back to see if you had a great career.

I think jetBlue is betting their company on the 190. If it works out then it will be the company to be at. If it has more than a few glitches, then they might run into a 'difficult time'.

I talked to a friend who moved from AirTran to JetBlue. Mostly because of base location. He misses AirTran because he felt that they were more social. He liked that the flight attendants stayed with the crew more. He's also single.

Most everyone I talk to at JetBlue thinks its great except for a some of the middle management that is having trouble adapting to the growth. Tough decisions ahead.

 

[Ty Webb]

Freddie, you really crack me up. If I recall correctly, you left during training . How much could you possibly know about working here? "Dave and David?" I've been here since 2001, and I don't even have a clue who you are talking about. Some male FA,s you played with on an overnight?

You are right about one thing-Leaving AirTran was the best you could have made . . . . for us!

 

[XGmaninGA]

Well, I can't speak for JB, but I've been at AirTran since 2001. I'm as happy as pig in S____t.

 

[Flying Freddie]

Ty,

I was there for six months. I flew with Dave McKennan. That is when I decided to leave. That should really crack you up. All the other guys I flew with were great guys. David and Dave are the Mgt team at JetBlue.

 

[Flying Freddie]

Freddie, you really crack me up. If I recall correctly, you left during training . How much could you possibly know about working here? "Dave and David?" I've been here since 2001, and I don't even have a clue who you are talking about. Some male FA,s you played with on an overnight?

You are right about one thing-Leaving AirTran was the best you could have made . . . . for us!

Hey Ty,

Did I ever say anything nasty to you to make you act like a dick?

Have a nice day!

 

[Fins Up]

When will this crap end....give me a break. Do your research, we have been paying for them.

Touchy aren't we? Aren't these boards for asking questions, squelching rumors, etc.? This is my research; part of it anyway.

 

[klhoard]

. . <snip>. . .This is my research; part of it anyway.

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Gawd help you if you're basing life and or career decisions on flightinfo.com!!!
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[Ualexpress]

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.

I don't know about klaus but I Know there is one pilot Joe likes. His daughter, who is a pilot for AirTran.

I was there for six months. I flew with Dave McKennan. That is when I decided to leave. That should really crack you up. All the other guys I flew with were great guys. David and Dave are the Mgt team at JetBlue

So you flew with one bad apple and that was it, it was time to leave? Pretty thin skin wouldn't you say? Every airline has some bad apples. Hey I understand if you decided to leave for reasons you don't need to explain here, but because of ONE person who you would probably not fly with ever again? Flying with undesirables kind of happens when you are on reserve because people call in sick for those trips. Your passive aggressive jab ( Yeah the pilot group is great but there was this one guy so it was the best decision I ever made in aviation) is suspicious or at the very least disingenuine and doesn't contribute to original posters question. of course my post doesn't either but what the he!!.

 

[Flying Freddie]

The "best choice" I made was going to JetBlue. The "best choice" was not leaving AirTran. JetBlue was and still is the best place I have ever worked. I did not hang around AirTran long enough to really have a good point of view. Maybe I am thin skinned. You just never know. Like I said, that is my "view". My view is my view and nothing more. I am one of the few who has been at both so I gave an honest opinion. There is nothing more to be made of it.

Have a nice day!

 

[On Your Six]

In my view, it comes down to two considerations:

1. Where you want to live

2. Aircraft type

I believe that the salaries (excluding pension considerations) in the long term will be pretty similar between the two airlines. For JetBlue, starting out on the E190 should likely provide fast upgrading opportunities with the anticipated growth - something like 6-18 months to upgrade I have heard (but can't confirm). So, even though the E190 pay is embarrassingly low, time in the FO position should not be too long - thank GOD!

As far as location is concerned, if you love the Northeast, JetBlue might be the preferred option although I know JetBlue pilots who live in the West who commute - so it is doable. Obviously, FLL and LGB are other options for pilots with decent seniority - but the E190 may add more crew bases. AirTran provides an ATL base at the moment, but there may be more bases (maybe MCO and BWI?) in the future.

As for aircraft, both airlines provide great aircraft. I have heard plusses and minuses about all of those aircraft - although the A320 appears to be more comfortable than the 737-700/800 and the 717 on longer flights - that can be important if you are going to spend the rest of your career in that aircraft. Comfort is a big factor after spending many years up front. The E190 should be a comfortable aircraft based on the impressions I have heard of the E170 - although they apparently need more comfortable seats.

It is a tough but enviable call.... If you like the Northeast (especially beautiful Long Island) and you don't mind side-sticking it in an Airbus, then pick JetBlue. If you are a Southerner and you appreciate Boeing equipment, choose AirTran. It sounds like a win-win to me... Let us know which path you take.

 

[wndshr]

curious about growth....


how many orders will JB have?? i hear they are going to be the size SWA is today by 2012...is that true?

 

[Steeler Fan]

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

please no flames

If you know anyone at AirTran who was hired before 2003, then you should tell them to leave AirTran and do something else.

I would say that commutability is a VERY important tie breaker, all other things being equal.

I really like it here. I know there are always exceptions, but I really think the pilots here are great. From the Burgh, the commute is pretty easy. I never interviewed with Jet Blue, but the commute from Pittsburgh for their commuters is definitely tougher than mine to ATL.

KC-10 Driver really likes JetBlue, and I think he faced some similar decisions as well.

Good luck