JetBlue or Comair

[pilot00703]

I have class dates at both JetBlue and Comair and I wanted some perspectives from my fellow aviators in which direction to go. Pros and Cons of both.

I am considering growth, pay, work rules and schedules. etc etc....

All intelligent comments are welcomed.

Thanks in advance.......

 

[Flying Freddie]

You gotta ask yourself why People leave Comair for jetBlue but people don't leave jetBlue for Comair.

 

[pilotyip]

What?

We just had a guy on this board quit his job at ATA as an L-1011 pilot to get in a Jet Blue cockpit, lets see Captain in the CL-65 in about maybe 2-3 years at what 55K per year, or A-320 Captain in one year at 125K+, don't think the decision should be too difficult.
Unless we are into life style and picking domiciles.

 

[pilot00703]

What about the jetBlue being 3 years new versus 25 years of operations at Comair

 

[embdrvr]

Jet Blue in a heartbeat. Neeleman is smart and will continue to make that company successful. A320 is a great a/c when things are working. Comair guys will likely continue to be treated as red headed stepchildren vis a vis mainline DAL. I'm not slamming the Comair pilot group. Great bunch of folks, good training, and very professional. However I'd be willing to bet that most junior Comair guys would jump at the chance to fly for JB unless they are staying put for quality of life reasons.

 

[Intruder One]

Just keep one thing in mind,the post mentioned above is correct but........JB now has over 500+ pilots with 180 to 200 hired in 2003 according to other post.So just remember,rule of thumb, a company has to double in size to upgrade if you were hired today,a year to the left seat is unrealistic . Will they reach 1000+ pilots?.....maybe but it has to stop sometime.I guess it goes back to the cystral ball.

 

[flaps30]

crack pipe

ya gotta go to JetBlue, I'll trade anytime.

 

[embdrvr]

Just keep one thing in mind,the post mentioned above is correct but........JB now has over 500+ pilots with 180 to 200 hired in 2003 according to other post.So just remember,rule of thumb, a company has to double in size to upgrade if you were hired today,a year to the left seat is unrealistic . Will they reach 1000+ pilots?.....maybe but it has to stop sometime.I guess it goes back to the cystral ball.

As an A320 FO I'm pretty sure you'd outearn any CL-65 CA in the industry. JB may slow down a bit but when the economy rebounds they will likely pick up steam. My guess is that JB first year pay is double that of CMR. So if you went to CMR you will upgrade quicker but then where will you go? JB, SWA, and AS are the only likely ones to be doing any hiring. I'd go for the bird in the hand (JB).

 

[Race Pilot]

What about the jetBlue being 3 years new versus 25 years of operations at Comair

How long was Eastern in business? Pan Am? TWA? US Air and United? As a very high ranking officer at my previous airline (both who will remain nameless) reminded me, time in business means nothing these days. Good luck with your decision but if you come to Miami next month I'll buy you a beverage!!

 

[learob]

Dude there is not question, go with Jetblue. I just left America West a few months ago and could not be happier. Managment knows their **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED**. The pay is very good don't listen to other people who say otherwise if you have been to the interview then you know the rates. Our business model works and we are making money and if any one brings up the old wifes tail about us not paying for our A/C (which is totally untrue) I think I will puke.

Enjoy the Library, (you will find out what i mean in miami).

 

[CRJFlyer]

Happy at Comair but would go to JB in a heartbeat...Great group of pilots..(I've had dinner with a handful of them). One of the obvious would be 1st year pay...I forgot what it was at JB but it has to be close to double that of Comair.

Someday when I get the time I'll be applying. For now Comair is great. And I'm building seniority weekly.

 

[Intruder One]

If you had 10 or 15 yrs. in at Comair making 100k which you can there with some seniorty I'd say stay put,but starting out all things being equal go to JB you can make more there even if you have to stay a F/O.If they don't make it at least that time will look good on a resume.

 

[NYRANGERS]

I have class dates at both JetBlue and Comair and I wanted some perspectives from my fellow aviators in which direction to go. Pros and Cons of both.

I am considering growth, pay, work rules and schedules. etc etc....

All intelligent comments are welcomed.

Thanks in advance.......

I have encountered many disgruntled comair pilots. I have never come across an unhappy JetBlue pilot (with respect to the job and the company). I would say JB is the way to go.

 

[DarnNearaJet]

I can't even believe someone even asked the question.

 

[B-J-J Fighter]

This question must be a joke. Eat Ramen Noodles for a few years or prime rib?

 

[learjetguy]

Hmmm?

Pam Anderson or ... what kind of question is that?

 

[BRA]

It is not a bad question at all.....i know people that had to pick from netjets, and delta or some other major over the past few years. And they picked netjets....now they have a job, have a good seniority # and have that 7 on, 7 off schedule. Smaller planes...smaller pay...no brainer right? Wrong. Delta got punked by 9/11 and now the netjets guys are in the good spot. If you went with comair over jetblue.......and say another terrorist attack happened...and they decide to close JFK for a month....i think jetblue would suffer with there own crib shutdown. They closed reagon airport for a while.......and it helped put us airways in a world of hurt. I however, have to go with the crowd on this one and say do jetblue. either pick could easily become the wrong one though.
"I ain't got time to bleed" jesse the body ventura

 

[Networ-King]

Intruder-One....


I hate to say this but you couldn't be more wrong about upgrading. The company does NOT have to double inorder for you to upgrade in a year. Even though it is a factor, it is not the most crucial one..... it all depends on the individual.... quality of life, schedules, bases, being scared to upgrade, not knowing the aircraft good enough..... it all plays a part and its really down to the individual. Look what happened at JB a little while ago.... upgrade was 6 month to a year because of the bust rate. Guys with no glass time were affraid to bid the upgrade. The A-320 is a great airplane, I loved flying it, but it could be a bear to get down for some people. Anyways to the questions at hand.... I would have no second thoughts about going to JB over comair, the business model for JB works. Better equipment, with a better product. And of course everybody is happy there...... I just wonder how long it'll be till the Jetblue Pilot Association kicks in? Good luck in your dicision.

 

[Anaconda]

This question must be a joke. Eat Ramen Noodles for a few years or prime rib?

dude, get used to eating MRE's very soon!!!

 

[General Lee]

Is this a joke? Hmmmm. Well, seeing that Comair guys probably will be flocking to Jetblue when Delta turns them down, I'd go directly to jetblue. The A320 seems to be a nice plane too, with a lot more room than the CRJ.

Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[SWA/FO]

jetBlue Baby!!!!

 

[redsoxfan]

What can be an obvious choice today could be the wrong choice for tommorrow when it comes to "what airline to fly for". 2 years ago every airline was GOLDEN, had big plans and was growing, and now its the LUCKY ones who still have a job flying. Comair has 125 aircraft now with 30+ plus coming this year with 1600+ pilots, more pilots when TWA was sold to AA, just like ASA pilot total which may have even more. You will make alot more money at jet blue, to start, but will you have more job stability in 5-10 yrs from now?? If Delta is still around Comair and ASA will be to. Will Jetblue become what they say they will, we need a crystal ball, and I wish i had one.