Thankfully someone above mentioned the free market factor in the rise and demise scenario. Who'da thunk it possible that the poor financing, the high prices, and the low demand on a route, being overserved by aircraft that are inefficient, with the highest paid pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, and rampers could possibly fail??? We blame each other, yet our management structures at each of these airlines are fully at fault, then giggle as their misdeeds are diminished by our bickering. I left that world and joined in at what I thought was utopia at the lcc. It is a much better life for me. Steady growth, upgrade in the next six months(6 years in), steady pay increases, and great bosses that I am not ashamed to cheer for(not gloat, like my coworker so famous on this board). Yes there are issues here, but I am productive, I fly good equipment that gets fixed when its broke, my financial success is reflected in the efficiency of the operation, and the vast majority of my coworkers are motivated to do an excellent job. I have experienced legacy pilots refuse vans because I was in them as a lcc pilot, and as a commuter puke. I have heard the statement "when you get to a real airline" from TWA guys that are now going to be my fo's in a few months. I have experienced furlough, paycut, and lockout/liquidation. How different are we? Does a number on a W2 make you a better man, or a better pilot?
This is a sad thread altogether. I hope that the legacies recover, and their people get their rates back. I hope that they continue to provide the quality service in their cabins that I would like to have when I go on a vacation somewhere my company doesnt fly. Hell, I bought tickets for my wife and two kids to fly on JB next month to my home town. Im kinda glad to have the opportunity to watch a little tube and keep my little guys busy for the trip.
Nothing good comes from watching this industry turned on its head. When one company falls, sure there's another there to pick up the load, but how long is it till they are on the block as well. Remember how SWA used to be the media darling? How Jetblue gets it now, and SWA gets hammered for not having tv? We all know how it goes, who's next?
Jetblue pilots will eventually want their cut of the pie, just like SWA pilots. There eventually will be a bargaining unit in place to make that happen Im sure. Its a rite of passage. My only wish is that instead of everybody just reading "hard landing", they'd pick up a copy of the "Art of War" and give it as much attention. We have met the enemy, and he is us.
