Jetblue or SWA

[Willie Wonka]

I have been flying for JB for a couple months and just received a call for a SW training date. I love flying for JB, but SW is a great company too. I feel lucky to be in the position I am, but the decision is a difficult one for me. What should I do?

 

[typhoonpilot]

Stay where you are. You will make captain much sooner at JetBlue than Southwest. I would bet close to 8 years for a left seat at Southwest versus max of two at JetBlue. That is a big difference in pay and career progression.

Just my 2 cents,


Typhoonpilot

 

[G4G5]

Getting to the left seat is great but there are plenty of other things to consider.

Where do you live?
Do you have to commute to JFK? If you live in NY stay where you are. Or are you closer to one of the SWA bases? BWI, OAK, MDW or DFW

That's the key for me, commuting for an entire career blows.

Luv is set for a major expansion, so is JetBlue. So career progression should not be the issue. Both pay well but LUV's new contract for 12 year left seat is great. Will Neeleman match, my guess is he will come close but offer more stock instead of the cash. Still something you could live with.

Which airline has a better shot of being around when you retire?

 

[Maynard]

?

I would go with the one that has been successful for 30 years, the one that the other is trying to model after. But that's just me...Also depends on your age.

 

[BrokenWing]

WW,

I was in the same boat and ended up going with JBLU. There are too many variables to make this a 50/50 decision. My feeling was that like with everything else in life, you have to take a chance if you want to reap the big reward. If you're in a position where you can afford to take that chance, stay with JBLU. Otherwise you can't argue with LUV's financial success and the fact that they (probably) WILL be around forever. Whatever decison you make, don't look back, go with it and live with it. Both are good airlines, well managed, and their employees seem to have fun at work. By the way, if you are senior to me I would encourage you to go to LUV - just kidding.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Think 10 or 15 years down the road.

Which airline do you think will be in the best position down the road? IMHO, Jetblue will definitely be well positioned in 10 years. It's earlier in their life cycle. You will have tons of Airbus PIC. That will help with a jobsearch, if necessary. (Company layoffs OR medical problem). IMHO, the shift to smaller aircraft at JetBlue assures their success. They will be able to market themselves between regionals and Southwest. Plus you get to be king of the hill by being on their "big" jet.

Southwest may also be up there, but history shows the odds of a carrier staying dominate for 15+ years to be low. As much as I hate it to say it, the older workers somehow lead to trouble. Can you say F/A picketing?

LOCATION. If you rate the companies almost equal this should be a player. Many at ATA, on the left coast, have other jobs. Some are lawyers and real estate agents. That's what you can do with 16-18 days off a month. They can leave the company at any time and not bat an eyelash.


If I were in your shoes I would stay with JetBlue. Successful startups are a once in a lifetime event and lead to great rewards. Don't fall into the grass is always greener mentality. I wish you well in your decision.

Don't look back and have no regrets.

 

[Heavy Set]

The Airbus cockpit is much more comfortable than the tight 737 cockpit - that's another consideration if you are going to be flying more and more transcon flights (SWA will as they add more and more 700s).

Who knows, with more A320s and the EMB190 being added, new crew bases might pop up and thus eliminate the SWA basing advantage for QOL...

You are in a great position right now - personally I would go for the PIC at JetBlue vs. waiting for 7-8 years at SWA for a Captain slot...

Good luck

 

[Hose A. Jiminez]

personally I would go for the PIC at JetBlue vs. waiting for 7-8 years at SWA for a Captain slot...

Good luck

Its never been that high. Even during the toughest times its been 5-6. If the planned expansion happens ive heard speculations of around 3, possibly better.

 

[juan2go]

My 2 Cents

Southwest.

See you at your retirement party.

Juan.

 

[Counselair]

WW,

I signed so much paperwork in my haste to start a family vacation prior to report to MIA I can't remember it all. Not that it would have affected my decision, but wasn't there a no competition clause or training contract in there somewhere. I'd look it up for you but I'm on a four day. I'd love to give you some advice but I'm a little biased.

Counselair

 

[avoidingmyboss]

WW,

Dude you have one heck of a problem. Buy a lottery ticket today and PM me the winning numbers before 7 CST. I would tell you to stay only because I want your SWA position.

 

[jointops]

For all the advice you'll get on this one, just consider what really is most important IMHO. Where does your heart tell you to be?
Which company really means something to you? Which one do you feel passionate about?

I know there are tons of people who will advise you to analyze all the facets. There is great value in that. But I encourage you to go with your heart.

As Donald Trump mentioned last week (yes I'm hung up on "You're Fired") you can't sell something if you don't love the product. Same concept I guess applies.

But if you really love where you are and the company you work for, it won't feel like work. It'll feel like you're fulfilling what you were intended to do.

A little philosophical for this early in the morning, I know.

Best of luck. Let us know what you decide and happy landings

 

[Hose A. Jiminez]

Think 10 or 15 years down the road...You will have tons of Airbus PIC. That will help with a jobsearch

That would be a GREAT answer for the "why JetBlue" question in an interview!!!

 

[juan2go]

just curious......

How many years till retirement?

Juan

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Its never been that high. Even during the toughest times its been 5-6. If the planned expansion happens ive heard speculations of around 3, possibly better.

385 or so jets now and 40/year increase over the next 3 years.
Retirements 100ish per year.

After that it is pure speculation.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

For all the advice you'll get on this one, just consider what really is most important IMHO. Where does your heart tell you to be?
Which company really means something to you? Which one do you feel passionate about?

I know there are tons of people who will advise you to analyze all the facets. There is great value in that. But I encourage you to go with your heart.

As Donald Trump mentioned last week (yes I'm hung up on "You're Fired") you can't sell something if you don't love the product. Same concept I guess applies.

But if you really love where you are and the company you work for, it won't feel like work. It'll feel like you're fulfilling what you were intended to do.

A little philosophical for this early in the morning, I know.

That's another way to go. If you work with people who aren't happy it will be hard to be happy. My impression is people are happy at both JetBlue and SWA.

Happy people are also less likely to torpedo the company.

 

[juan2go]

over the next 3 years

Actually over the next 5 years.....

Minimum 2600 new hires, min. 197 a/c deliveries.

 

[AKAAB]

The answer is pretty simple.

If you are at JB and you have to even ask the question - then good luck at SWA. We would never want you to stay if your heart is elsewhere, and when you leave we will offer our sincere wishes for blue skies and an enjoyable career.

Good Luck!
AKAAB

 

[juan2go]

Excellent Point

If you're at JetBlue and not sure if you should go to SWA, stay at JetBlue. Either way, you are very fortunate.

Juan

 

[canyonblue]

At least you have had a choice between 2 great carriers.

My only choices are Deja-Vu or The Dollhouse.