Virgin America provokes fare wars at LAX

[joevollers]

Lot of editing..

Be sure to get it right. This is important

 

[Andy]

Higher than more than a few in the industry... year 6 capt..higher than usair...

As long as you don't include the 10% B fund contribution at USAirways East (West pays higher on the airbus than VA) vice the 3% 401K MATCH at VA.

 

[joevollers]

Sure,

Most certainly not trying to paint it like its industry leading or anything. Just made the comparison to UsAirways due to the fact that approximately 35% of VA is former UsAirways pilots. These guys have put in their dues for a long time; the East guys especially. Most of them were proud ALPA members for a long time too. They chose to leave UsAirways to come to VA b/c they saw something for themselves and their families. To be called scum by some constant flamer, who is probably a real life flamer. Is unfair.. These guys have put in their dues in this industry, and are making a choice they is right.

 

[waveflyer]

Guys- you're dumb if you think the ship sinks or swims on pilot pay. Southwest has been the highest for how long? And still profitable. They're profitable b/c they give a damn and actually try to make the company money-- If pilots have any stake in taking down a company- like UAL was accused of- it's b/c management doesn't keep their promises - therefore the summer of hell- and the leftover "F- you, United" mentality. We can save so much $$ if we cared to.

So i don't care what VA works for-= that's on them. And Joevollers has a point. Right now VA is fighting for their existence. So pay is low. USAir is profitable now- yet the bankruptcy contract is still in place??? Who's the bigger scum by your logic?

I will say though that you are forgetting Joe that you start over at year 1 scale when you upgrade at VA.

 

[waveflyer]

Pilots are willing to fly for that b/c for so many- it is a step up. You're seeing the result of the unions across the industry looking out for only the senior- and selling out the young and junior and voiceless. If you looked out for the junior-didn't release your scope and have them fly your more fuel efficient dc9's/partial 73/ab replacement jets without even getting a seniority number- there wouldn't be all those RJ pilots for whom VA is a step up. You want to complain- do it to a mirror. Maybe you should have thought more long term, instead of selling out at every chance... If one of the major airlines had held the line on pay and risked their company going out of business you all could talk about what VA is working for. Until then- I don't get the whole lot of you.

 

[relief tube]

we don't need MORE airlines, we need less. Period.

 

[SaabStory]

Wow...
jke406 is worked up.

 

[kingair1]

I hope we all join together and drive VA to Extinction!!

 

[waveflyer]

Great- less airlines. How are YOU going to make that happen? The gov't will always allow more competition.

No- what we need are better contracts and pilots willing to do what it takes to get them. We need leverage and leaders willing to do what it takes to get that. And pilots who are not willing to sell out the next generation.

What i'm saying is that until you're ready to sacrifice your airline to get all that- you shouldn't be worried about VA-

What you should be worried about is what created the situation where VA IS a step up for qualified pilots? Everyone regrets SCOPE- but at every turn it's been relaxed even more, Selling out young pilots- creating very good and qualified pilots willing to fly at VA rates.

 

[Freight Dog]

You know... for once I actually agree with waveflyer.

So many things throughout the industry seem to be geared toward senior pilots at the expense of the junior.

But then when those who keep getting the shaft go someplace like VA or Skybus, they're labeled whores because they're looking out for themselves first.

Until ALPA and others actually start looking out for the BOTTOM of the seniority list, this kind of crap will continue.

 

[joevollers]

Absolutely...
VA is populated by many once proud ALPA members, who, saw a step up, and took it.

 

[Hamburger]

Hank Scorpio can lick my sack. Foreign ownership is the bell tolling for all of us.

 

[jke406]

Absolutely...
VA is populated by many once proud ALPA members, who, saw a step up, and took it.

If by a "step up," you mean far lower pay, crappier work rules, and the scorn of the majority of the pilot profession...they yep, they really took a step "up."

 

[WSurf]

If by a "step up," you mean far lower pay, crappier work rules, and the scorn of the majority of the pilot profession...they yep, they really took a step "up."

This crap has gone on for ages. It will continue to go on for years from now.

I would be willing to work for a airline for less money if they treated its employees and costumers with respect. Hell, making a few dollars less but having a fun work enviroment is worth it.

Get over yourself.

 

[jmreii]

The reason Jet Blue wants into LAX is to kick VAs @ss

please airlines, I want a good clean fight, no hitting below the wing. when there is an airline down, I want you to go to a neutral corner. I hope that airline can continue and this is not another first round knockout. I am out of popcorn.