JetBlue- To go or not?

[Heavy Set]

I hear Kalitta and Southern are hiring too... I don't work at either, but if you are looking for something interesting/exotic and you ultimately want to jump to a legacy and take the ultra slow-road to the Captain seat, why not get some 747-400 (Kalitta operates them and Southern will be adding 400s shortly) time in the interim...

Your new office awaits:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Carg...69725/L/&sid=0887d168ec17ef1134c5ed646a11997f

I agree with J-rod - go do something different if you want to hang around and wait for the Legacies. If you already have the required PIC time to be competitive at the majors, go fly a 747 and see the world. Why not? I have also heard that Southern, Kalitta and World are hiring. You might just like it enough to stay... I know a senior Kalitta Capt from my freighter days and he loves the flying. I flew the 747 myself in the latter 90s and loved it. Best and most exciting flying I ever did and I am thankful for the opportunity.

 

[Ski-N-Fly]

I've been here 7 years, and hope to remain for the long term. Although I am disappointed with the union vote, I know the opportunity will present itself again. Unionization here is inevitable. Now what form it may take is anyone's guess at this point. There are those who will give up and leave for other airlines (grass is always greener), and there are those who will stay and try to make this a destination airline. I am of the latter.

JetBlue has its faults, and is not perfect. But look at the history of major airlines. 10 to 15 years ago who would have thought that SWA would have the highest paid pilot group? Remember UAL's contract in the late 90's? My point is that things change. The "king of the hill" doesn't stay king forever. JetBlue has approximately 175 aircraft at this point, and has firm orders to end up with approximately 285 total aircraft. Of course those numbers are subject to change (and probably will), but there is growth planned. If we can survive M&A before we have a CBA and/or union protection, hopefully we'll be in good shape. We have good people here, and many want to make their careers with JetBlue. Overall, I am happy here, but there is definitely a need for improvement in certain areas. I am hopeful we will get there. Rome wasn't built in a day. Maybe I'm just an optimist.

Either way, as long as you apply to an airline.....it's always going to be a gamble. Best wishes!

 

[Fins Up]

Dont tell me to paint a false picture......... If you are not based in JFK or BOS life is probably good for you....YAY...Sounds like you are already one of the guys who "HAS HIS" Come on out to one of the smaller bases and see what your senior brothers and sisters have to say. I will be happy to bid back and sit mucho senior to you. Enjoy working EVERY HOLIDAY...
I chalk your post up to being young, naive and dont really know sh!t!!!!!!!!!!!1

Boiling it all down, if you don't want to be on reserve too long, be based out of JFK or BOS. If you want to be at a "senior base" expect to be on reserve for a while. Nothing to get all bent out of shape about.

 

[Blue Dude]

Is there any way to see the contract you have to sign? Wonder what it says in fine print.

The contract is only a few pages long. The problem isn't in the fine print, it's in all the stuff that it *doesn't* say.

 

[CLARKGRSWOLD]

All depends on where you come from. Any regional, no matter how shiny the jet, it's a step up. Full time CA line holder with 52 weeks vacation....its still a step up.

Yes because working is better than a paid year off... Dont be dork

 

[kf4amu]

Yes because working is better than a paid year off... Dont be dork

Seriously? I know its tough to detect sarcasm through the internet but...seriously?

 

[Lake Alice]

Apply, take the job, quit when a major hires you.

Jetblue is a great temporary fix. Though it's a nice working environment the pay, benefits and retirement are insufficient and not subject to change. It will be better than your regional but don't plan on staying here for a career. Go to a major.

 

[rjpilot7667]

Dont tell me to paint a false picture......... If you are not based in JFK or BOS life is probably good for you....YAY...Sounds like you are already one of the guys who "HAS HIS" Come on out to one of the smaller bases and see what your senior brothers and sisters have to say. I will be happy to bid back and sit mucho senior to you. Enjoy working EVERY HOLIDAY...
I chalk your post up to being young, naive and dont really know sh!t!!!!!!!!!!!1

Then do it chief, Enjoy your coast-to-coast commute. You did paint a false picture. you didn't intitially say you were in a smaller base. Chances are that a new hire will be based in JFK or BOS and won't be on reserve for 4 years like you did. Being based in LGB was YOUR CHOICE and you don't have anyone to blame but yourself for your dissatisfaction.

If you're not happy find a new job and quit complaining, see if the grass is greener.

 

[rjpilot7667]

boiling it all down, if you don't want to be on reserve too long, be based out of jfk or bos. If you want to be at a "senior base" expect to be on reserve for a while. Nothing to get all bent out of shape about.

bingo

 

[Ref]

Would anybody recommend leaving a Fractional to go to JetBlue?