Problem - JetBlue VS. AirTran

[kwijybo]

JB Skeds

You say relentless, we say productive.

Now hopefully, JetBlue can get those transcon turns and we won't have that problem of day sleeping.
(kidding-that horse is way dead)

 

[FLB717]

CatfishVT9

Let me see if I understand this. You have a family friend do a favor by asking the CEO of a company to look at you. basaed on thier pull as a company officer to help get your interview based on thier friendship with a family member, and then you may trun down the job offer? Please make what you feel is the right choice for you, but if you do not show up kiss your family friends a$$, because they went out on a limb for you with Joe.

 

[zonker]

From this morning's wire:

8:14AM Jetblue Airways: Airbus in talks to sell 30 A320s to JetBlue - Reuters

http://finance.yahoo.com/mp#jblu

 

[Music]

CatfishVT9,


I'm going to weigh in on this subject because it seems that there are more people from JetBlue posting replies then AirTran. When I came to AirTran in '01 I had the same offers that you had. I had to make a choice. The difference was that the class dates were about a month apart rather then a day. There is no question that JetBlue and AirTran are both good places to be right now, and for the foreseeable future. The bottomline is that you have to go with your "Gut" on this one. I'm not going to sit back and tell you that AirTran is better than JetBlue or vice versa because there are many pros and cons to both. I will say that I agree with FLB717 that if you used a friend with contacts to Joe Leonard to get an interview (and ultimately an offer) and then choose JetBlue; well lets say that's not a good way to maintain a "Bridge" . In the long run it won't matter, because it's only when we fly our last Part 121 flight when we turn 60 that we'll know if we made the right decision.

What ever decision you make, best wishes.

Music

 

[Pura Vida]

Now if they would just take AirTran and JetBlue and merge them into one while keeping the best of both companies, THAT would surely solve Catfish's dilema. SWA would be sweating this one for sure.

 

[IAHERJ]

You've got to sit down for several hours by yourself with a pad of paper and make a pros and cons list for both companies. Then you have to add up the two lists and make a decision for yourself(not anyone else). You alone will be the one who endures the career at either company. If you go with AirTran and 5 years from now we end up being bought or disappear for some reason, your family friend and or Joe Leonard is not going to come to you with an apology and a special severance. This is business and you have to go with the carrier you feel will be around for a long time to come and be the best fit for you. You have to be selfish because you are really the only one looking out for you. I think Airtran is a great airline and I have enjoyed my 1+ year here. I think our job security is pretty stable but so is JetBlue's. The crews I've met at JetBlue have all been very outgoing and they sure seem to have a great time working and on layovers. AirTran treats first year FA's pretty lousy and we end up having some of the good ones quit. Maybe I've got a case of "the grass is greener" but our mix of crews here at AirTran can be hit or miss sometimes. I think a new base for us will definately help in the FA hiring arena at AirTran. Not that this issue should even be close to your top 8-9 reasons for selecting an airline but I thought I should point out an area I think we could improve on here. If that is my largest gripe, then things can't be too bad here huh?

Good luck with your decision. Don't look back after you make a selection because it doesn't do any good.

IAHERJ

 

[CatfishVT9]

FLB717,

You're not saying anything I haven't already thought about. I held off using that bullet until it seemed that JB wasn't going to call.

I know lots of folks say "it's just business" to walk away, but I didn't get this far by being a one-way and not taking other people into consideration. If I do go to JB, I'll first make a phone call to my contact so he hears it from me first.

Catfish

 

[waazzuuuup!!]

Catfish

Choose the Job that does not require you
to commute.

I have been a commuter for 10 years now and it sucks big time.

Trust me when i tell you COMMUTING SUCKS!!!!

You will be away from home a **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** load more.

Good luck

 

[-9Capt]

I've been with AT 6 years this month and couldn't be happier. Things have never been as good as they are now, and with contract negotiations begining in a few months, thing should only get better. Senority advancement will be quick.

Compare things like commuting, pay, retirement and work rules. You can't go wrong no matter which you choose.

Good Luck.

 

[Spud]

If you come to Airtran you'll have at least one other Meridian T-2 bubba to drink with.

 

[DCitrus9]

Catfish, did you make the decision yet? We would love to have you at AirTran, but we would hate to have you second guess yourself or leave us at a later date.
With your fellow pilots in mind, realize we are two weeks out from class. JB or AirTran will need to call up one more to fill your slot, and I'm sure that lucky someone would like to give proper notice to their employer.
Good luck on whatever your choice may be.

 

[FLB717]

I agree with everone here, make the choice that's good for you. As far as JBLU crews being better than ours, I doubt it. You will always have 2% what ever you do. Just be kind enough to drop the note of decline soon enough that someone else can take your place in class if you dont show. Beside I want a FO in the Sim with me, and not another wanabe Capt to get in the way.

 

[CatfishVT9]

DCitrus9,

You and I actually think alike here. One of the reasons I was looking for more info is that I feel I owe both companies a quick response. I'm not the type to call the day prior and say "sorry....".

Also, I won't second guess myself after making the call. I'll be 110% onboard and won't leave at a later date. Either one is a win situation.

Catfish

 

[islandhoper]

.

Good luck during your decision. Keep a clear head and do the list of pros and cons. Seems like the scientific way of doing this.

Don't mind us holding our breath here...



Two great companies indeed. At the end the benefits are about the same, so is the equipment, the upgrade time the "possible bases" and the agressive growth.
The true difference lies in the corporate culture. What group more closely reflects you? I hope THAT is your answer.

M.

 

[717pilot]

Been at AirTran over 3 years...LOVE IT!! Upgrade class should be August 9th. 15 more years to fly..gonna make the most!! Folks getting class dates...ENJOY and have fun..youll love it here...........

 

[CatfishVT9]

Problem solved!

Just like the finale of the Bachelor last night, I have had the dilemma of trying to decide between two superb companies to work for.

Both have great futures and business models, and they have great people working for them. In the end I can't go wrong with my decision.

When I take everything into account, one seems to fit me just a little bit better for location, QOL and family considerations. So with that, I guess I have to say:
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
AirTran, will you accept this pilot????

Looking forward to buying you fellas a round!

Catfish

 

[XGmaninGA]

Catfish,

Let me be one of the first to welcome you aboard! I believe you will enjoy yourself here.

Don't forget, June 3rd at Malones. We will shake hands, eat some wings, and swap tall tales.

 

[On Your Six]

Great choice (although both would work). I have heard great things about AirTran and you'll love either the 737-700 or the 717.

Do you know whether you will fly the 737 or the 717 to start?


Great job.

 

[IAHERJ]

Welcome to the family. We'll see you around ATL in a few weeks!

IAHERJ

 

[CatfishVT9]

I'm really looking forward to it, especially after 5 months out of the cockpit. This honey do list thing is getting old......

As far as aircraft, I think I'd take the 737 if offered. To be around #30 on the FO seniority list would probably be pretty awesome once the program gets going well. I'm sure there will be some growing pains, but it should be fun too.

Catfish

 

[717pilot]

Mr. Catfish..."WELCOME ABOARD!!!"

 

[Music]

Catfish,

Welcome! I know that it must have been a hard decision.

I'm upgrading on 737 and my upgrade class is paired with the June 3rd new-hire class.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Music

 

[FLB717]

catfish,

Well you had a wonderful problem to solve. I think you made the right chioce for the items you listed. Welcome to the disfunctional but happy family of AirTran. If you get paired with Music all I can say is I hope he doesn't hold you back. Just kidding, you would like him very much and he is much smarter and better than I. Good luck and see you during InDoc.

 

[On Your Six]

Just curious. For a newhire at AirTran, would it be more advantageous from a schedule/QOL standpoint to bid the 717 or the 737? Clearly it would be great to be a part of a new fleet, but the 717 obviously serves a lot more destinations as the 737 ramps up.

Any thoughts?

 

[islandhoper]

Congrats Catfish!!!

What an exiting couple of days you gave us all!
Can't wait to see you and the others in class.

Congratulations on an excellent choice!!!


Islandhoper.

 

[717pilot]

6........Depends on what you want. If you like long haul flights 4-5 hours...bid the 737. Like short haul flights..bid the 717. Should be 2 new 737s next month and one a month after that. So it might take a while to get line on the 737. For June he 737 had almost 400 total lines. But as a newhire its a great position to be in. By the way Im in the 717 and am loving it! Great airplane!! Whatever a newhire chooses..hes at a great company and will love it here...

 

[717pilot]

Actually almost 400 total lines on the 717......

 

[jetblue320]

Bridges

Now here's a question; are you going to call Dean M. and tell him of your decision? If you don't, JB will continue to do your background check, wasting money and resources. I was just curious, no buckshot.

C ya

 

[chazman]

Not to mention I am sure there is a very excited and hopeful someone that might be able to get into the June 2 class at JB.

There are a lot of logistics to work out before a JB class date and it would be helpful to have as much time as possible.

Chaz

 

[CatfishVT9]

Believe it or not, I did call JetBlue and talked to Bernice even before I made the post. It's the right thing to do and I hope someone else can jump into that spot.

I told her that my decision in no way reflects badly on JetBlue. I think you guys have a phenomenal company, but for my situation, AirTran is a slightly better choice.

Catfish