It is odd how the subject changes so quickly on these threads. As far as JB vs. NJA you should ask yourself these questions:
1. Do you want to work for an absolute market leader (NJA is the undisputed market leader in the fractional world) or do you want to work for an airline getting battered from all sides (SWA, DAL, Spirit, VA, Air Tran) competing for the lowest-price passengers? Can you handle the stress of not working for a market leader?
More times than not we are not the lowest cost from point "A" to point "B". Just check it out for yourself. Jetblue continues to make money and deliver a highly competitive product. We continue to win praise from both our passengers and numerous travel awards.
As for the stress level, just try and please some of the passengers at the fractional level, you are just another one of the hired help.
2. Do you want to fly to the same destinations over and over (some people like structure) or do you want the ability to fly anywhere including very remote locations where you might have to use your flying skills? Some people don't mind flying JFK-MCO and back several times per tour.
There is a great deal of variety in our flying, I agree that the fractional world see's a great deal more variety than the 121 world, however I will take the time at home in the 121 gig over the time spent sitting in an FBO any day.
3. Do you want to interface with interesting passengers (celebrities and sports stars here and there) or do you want to turn left and shut the cockpit door? JB would provide you the ability to avoid most customer contact - unlike Netjets.
Jetblue is one of the most interactive with the customer of any 121 airline I have ever witnessed. I would have to disagree with your assertion that we just turn left and close the door. Our customers overwhelming applause our interaction and continue to give their praise when it comes to our operation.
4. Do you mind constantly flying into JFK during the snowy winter (let's not forget Valentine's day) and the turbulent summer? You will spend a lot of time at JFK working at JB - it's unavoidable...
You're right, JFK sucks!
5. Would you be ok with flying 1-2 aircraft types for the rest of your career or do you want to fly the latest and greatest bizjets as they roll out? Some people want to fly the Airbus forever and just let the autopilot fly...
I am allright with just flying one type for the rest of my career. I have seen enough to know that most types are just about the same with a bit of differences concerning the avionics packages. Who cares? I would say that most aircraft types and pilots fly just about the same amount with the autopilot engaged as with the autopilot disengaged. Furthermore, most bizjet cockpits are quite small and I enjoy the spacious cockpit of the A-320.
Do Netjets pilots have to go that extra mile with their passengers? Yes. Does that entail baggage handling and maybe arranging ground transportation for owners? Probably. Do you need to be actually care about customer service at Netjets? Yes - without loyal customers you won't have a job.
Is that different from any other customer service job in aviation?
With Netjets' new TA, the pay/benefits/domicile package will be very hard to beat. Sure, 7/7 could be hard on some people (although I think it allows you to plan your life and you get three weeks off in a row if you take a middle week off), but you can also choose from other schedule options. Check out the fractional board if you need more input.
Reserve at Jetblue sucks! 12 days off guarenteed, that's it! However, reserve at most airlines suck, it is just the way it is. The long call only works some of the time, and not for every seat in every aircraft. When it does work you can expect anywhere from an extra 1-5 days off per month. That helps to make it a bit more palitable.
Clickclickboom, I am betting that you never flew for Netjets. Other fractional carriers can't compete with Netjets' new TA and I think it warrants consideration by a lot of pilots out there. If I didn't like my gig so much I would be applying myself...
Now, back to the orginal topic.
Bravo for their union.
