Usairways vs. Jetblue

[airbus331]

I have a big choice to make. First of all, I am a brand new member and I am looking forward to what all I can learn from all of you. I have been at Usairways for 16yrs and now have an interview with Jetblue in Dec. Should I give up 16 yrs here for Jetblue is the basic question? In my mind that is a yes. I would like to get the input from the members here. Should I even ask such a question until I am offered another position? Thanks for listening.

Airbus331

 

[Rvrrat]

Well, for starters, December is still a ways off. What that does is give you the opportunity to go visit JBs facilities and have a cold hard look and chat further with employees in various functions if you haven't done so already. It also gives you time to observe how Q4 is shaping up for them; I suspect they'll continue a steady growth pace however, seeing it happen may help put the mind to ease that they're not a "flash in the pan" outfit.

I cannot speak in an unbiased way about loyalty and long term relationships. 16 years is a significant investment. I can relate to the fact that the decision is at best dificult when the overall situation has gone from bad to worse and resentment has built up over time from poor decisions made that you could not influence but effect you just the same.

Life offers trials, tribulation and choice; I don't believe any human being has ever been brought into the world for the express purpose of being miserable.

 

[typhoonpilot]

Airbus331:

You may not have to give up USAirways to try out jetBlue. The company has been offering leaves and one might come up at an opportune time if you are offered a position with jetBlue. jetBlue has not been requiring pilots to resign seniority, they have been asking for a two year no-compete clause. In other words, if you can take a two or more year leave from USAirways then there would be no hard decision to make. My guess is that you would never come back to USAirways if you left for an outfit like jetBlue.

Good luck.


Typhoonpilot

 

[bigsky]

No doubt that is a tough call. If your interview isnt until Dec then most likely you wont have to make a decision until march or April. A lot can change by then which might make your choice a little clearer. Not that money is the issue here- but Im guessing you make more now than you will ever make at Jetblue. Anyways good luck to you!

 

[Eagleflip]

AirBus331--from many conversations with many of those who have come over to jetBlue from US Air, I'd say that the vast majority believe it to be a great place to work. Some of them were furloughed, but others "saw the writing on the wall" for their immediate futures and came over before losing their jobs. Are they content? I think so. Are they happy about switching jobs? Dunno. They are obviously in turmoil at having X number of years with US Air taken away from them--upheaval is difficult to handle, even with an excellent alternate in the offing.

That being said, despite being a relatively young whippersnapper on the block, you would very likely love JB. The work environment is top notch, and 98% of the folks I fly with are extremely positive about what we are doing and how it's getting done. I've had the jB president ride my jumpseat on several ocassions; every time he has answered my many questions directly, and every time he has asked for our opinion on what we could do better to make the company prosper. How often does that happen in this industry?

Despite the likely flaming I'll get on this next opinion, I'll make it anyway. Coming from a slightly different background, I don't believe it appropriate to take advantage of one company to play against another. Loyalty is important in my book. That being said, you are free (as we all are) to take Typhoonpilot's advice and take leave to seek employment with jetBlue for a couple of years while you wait for US Air to settle out and potentially go back.

IMHO, that is wrong...

JetBlue will spend considerable time and resources to train you. As a small airline, it causes measurable harm for the company to loose a pilot. To lose one due to a desire for personal gain at the expense of a company trying to "make it" in today's environment is not the right thing to do. In my mind, if you were to take a job with jetBlue with the full intent of returning to US Air after things settle out you would be taking advantage of a great job with a superb company. Is it OK to do so? Let your conscience be your guide, but I don't think so.

The other side? Well, I don't have 16 years invested in US Air, so I don't know what emotional and financial investment you have with them. That's an important factor that I can't quantify.

You will get many contrary opinions to mine. The move from US Air (or any other airline) to jB is not like a move from a commuter to a major; jB will be a major late next year or early in 04, and has a temendous record (and potential) for growth and profitability. In short, I guess I don't see jB as a "stepping stone," as much as a final destination.

In any case, if and when you do decide to interview with jB, best of luck! You'll see a bunch of fine folks trying to make it in a tough environment--just like all of us.

 

[SWA/FO]

Are you a Capt. at USAirways? Upgrade to Capt. at JetBlue is still fairly quick. JetBlue as of now is a healthy company with a bright future.

Sounds like you might have some options if/when they offer you employment. I'd say try not to look to far forward about the decision you don't really have to make yet. Prepare yourself, not having to look for work for 16 years might make your interview skills weak......

Good Luck

 

[typhoonpilot]

Eagleflip:

I don't think you read the last sentence of my post. I wouldn't advocate playing one company off another in a mercenary way like you seem to think. My point to Airbus331 was he might not have to make the tough decision that he thinks he might have to. Cutting the strings to a 16 year employer is an extremely difficult thing to do, why not just make it a gradual transition if possible.

Again, I say, someone that leaves USAirways for jetBlue is highly unlikely to return. That is one of the reasons that jetBlue is not requiring seniority resignation. The management at jetBlue are smart and they understand the considerable difficulty of leaving a long term employer for a recent start up. To be fair to new employees they give them the option, knowing full well this will engender a much more loyal employee in the long run. This way they can recruit highly experienced professionals, which they know they need with their rapid expansion plans. In the end they will keep them because jetBlue is heads and shoulders above USAirways in how they treat their employees.

Sincerely,

typhoonpilot

 

[airbus331]

I do appreciate the quick replies I have received so far since I only posted this last night. If I am offered employment at JB it will be a lifetime decision and not one of a stepping stone. I am looking for JB to give me what I have not had since first working for Piedmont. I would guess that the atmosphere at JB is much like it was before being bought by Usair. There has been nothing but bad things in this career for at least 12 of 16yrs. It would be a great place to work to have a management team looking forward instead of whatever you call we have had here for so long. For a leave of absence, the main reason that would be beneficial would be that your longevity would increase by one more yr for your retirement once to do officially resign and not that I would ever want to go back. The people I already know at JB could not be any happier with any company doing anything else and I envy that feeling. It seems that many JB people are on this website. For us that are new to it, thanks for your input.

Sincerely,
Airbus331

 

[Eagleflip]

Typhoonpilot--
I agree with your post; after re-reading your original, I realized that I had focused on the transition issue rather than the final outcome. No flame intended toward you.

 

[LittleDeuce]

US Airways

Everyone has to make their own decision. I have turned down interviews that required me to resign from US Airways.

I would rather teach in the sim until I go back to fly an RJ. I believe US Airways WILL rise again to be a great airline.

Good Luck to all!

 

[reepicheep]

Airbus331:

I'm in a similar position - 15+ years with US Airways and I'm looking for a way out before they show me the door, which by the way I believe will happen next year. I firmly believe Dave is taking the fleet down to 245 a/c and beyond and I don't think we've seen the last of the concessions either. This is not just my opinion out of left field but is shared by many I've spoken with who have considerable insight into our situation. My advice is go to JB if offered a job. Within a couple of years at most you'll be making more money than if you stay and will be with a growing airline (imagine that!) to boot. Of course if it is possible to merely take a leave from US then by all means keep all the doors open that you can. I agree with the posters who say you'll never look back.

Good luck!

 

[jointops]

A/B 331,

I don't know if my additional input will help, but here goes:

I was furloughed in Jan from US Airways and started in training at JB in Mar. I'm thrilled with the differences (including no union I might add). Most importantly, I love going to work and the people I work with.

I know one acquaintance who is just starting his IOE with us and he left US Airways (on a leave of absence) with 14 years to come to JB. He feels the same way.

You have nothing to lose (especially on a leave of absence). I guarantee you'll begin to feel the difference in your own mentality. It's a refreshing change from the morale issues alone at US Airways.

PM me and we can talk details. I'll try to put you in touch with my acquaintance and he can give you his take.

Trust me when I write this, you're going to love it. Just trust me!

Happy landings

 

[typhoonpilot]

Eagleflip:


No worries mate, I should have made my point clearer in the first place. That's my public school education showing through again. Hope we get the chance to meet someday.

Cheers,

Tim