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[mach none]

Not gonna happen. Looking at the seniority list, there aren't that many folks with 30 years of credited service, which is what is required to not be hit by the early retirement penalty. That penalty is roughly 8% per year for every year retiring early. Will a 55 year-old take a 40% hit to his/her A plan to retire early? Not a wise thing to do. Will a 59 year-old take an 8% hit? That is certainly more likely. Actually going one year early is more like a 10% hit, because you lose one year of credited service, 1.9%, plus the 8% or so early penalty.

I agree with your observations completely. When you get right down to it. No one will leave. They need the money.

The pension will stay for those that are here. The real question is what will happen to new hires? A super B fund would not be that bad. Atleast the money is in your 401k. You are not relying upon Ayer, or his successor. If they give us a big enough contribution, I plan on opting out.

 

[ClearRight]

This day and age in this industry I think that's a good plan! Put your eggs in your own basket! I've still got about 27 years in this industry (Lord willing the majority of that at Alaska.. come on guys, lets get those interviews cranked up!). I'm trying to make my own retirement plans that are not dependent on a company pension: 401(k), B Fund, Roth IRA, Stock purchase, etc. If I get one- icing on the cake!

What's the latest buzz on the ANC base? Is it going to grow more now that it's a mixed fleet domicile? Question about that... Are some of the 200 guys going to be dual qualified on the 4/7/8/9 as the 200's go away?

I'm heading up there this Christmas season- would it benefit me to drop in and visit Capt. Smith? With no hiring going on, what could he do right now?

 

[mach none]

This day and age in this industry I think that's a good plan! Put your eggs in your own basket! I've still got about 27 years in this industry (Lord willing the majority of that at Alaska.. come on guys, lets get those interviews cranked up!). I'm trying to make my own retirement plans that are not dependent on a company pension: 401(k), B Fund, Roth IRA, Stock purchase, etc. If I get one- icing on the cake!

What's the latest buzz on the ANC base? Is it going to grow more now that it's a mixed fleet domicile? Question about that... Are some of the 200 guys going to be dual qualified on the 4/7/8/9 as the 200's go away?

I'm heading up there this Christmas season- would it benefit me to drop in and visit Capt. Smith? With no hiring going on, what could he do right now?

The -200 and the "round engine" 737 are considered a different base in ANC. Those guys have to bid either a/c, they cannot fly both to my knowledge. Growing the ANC base is anyones guess. You have to ask the folks in the puzzle palace what their intend on doing.

As far as dropping in to have a chat. I don't think it would hurt.