Took a quick MR from SFO to ORF and back over Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Overall I had a great trip -- my flights were early, I was upgraded on all segments possible, experienced the new E170 (which I quite liked), saw Air Force One up close in PHL, had attentive service from the crews, and even enjoyed my chicken salad. In my time on the planes, transiting through CLT and PHL, and interactions with employees I heard a number of revealing conversations....

- 1 GA to another:
Q: "Are you going anywhere soon?"
A: "Yes, to the poorhouse"
(They laughed, it made me sad :()

- 1 FA to another:
Q: "What do you think about this whole union thing?"
A: "The whole thing just makes me sick to my stomach to think about"

1 GA to me: "I'm retiring at the end of the year -- it's not like I want to retire but this just isn't worth my time anymore"

1 pilot to another:
Q: "Why are you leaving?"
A: "Because I just want to be sure I have a job to go to everyday"

I'm just not sure management is capabile of figuring out how to improve morale given these circumstances. It would be a herculean task, for even the strongest executives of any company, to make it happen. I'm very supportive of US and am continuing to give them my business (hence the MR) -- but even if the labor concessions come out in their favor it will take epic leadership to make it happen.

Last week, heard the two gate agents in Philadelphia talking. One mentioned that she has "been sober for three years" but mentioned she "probably won't be much longer."

I also heard two pilots waiting to catch a ride on the flight down to Philadelphia, making light of the situation. One said "Well, I'm taking classes in plumbing down at the vo-tech, so I guess I have that going for me." And they both laughed.

On my MR from CLT to BOS, via LGA, I was in the US Club in BOS where the Club rep at the Club desk was on the phone with someone going over the details of the CWA contract. As I was leaving the Club, I wished her and everyone there good luck. She responded by asking me "to keep flying with us - and thanks for your business."

Then on my flight from LGA to CLT, heard one of the FA's talking about the latest paycheck and how much less it was than in the past. They're trying to figure out how they're going to make it.

I am hopeful that they all will make it (not because of the miles and status I have - but because they're good people) - they have every right to be displeased with the situation - but they didn't take it out on me, or anyone else for that matter.

Last week, heard the two gate agents in Philadelphia talking. One mentioned that she has "been sober for three years" but mentioned she "probably won't be much longer."

I also heard two pilots waiting to catch a ride on the flight down to Philadelphia, making light of the situation. One said "Well, I'm taking classes in plumbing down at the vo-tech, so I guess I have that going for me." And they both laughed.

So... from your other thread, I assume you told them all to vote "yes" on the strike?

Or were you just in it for the miles?

So... from your other thread, I assume you told them all to vote "yes" on the strike?

Or were you just in it for the miles?


If that is the appropriate self-help that they feel they need, then they are certainly entitled to vote to strike. I must say that in the same situation, I'd probably vote for it, but thankfully I'm not in that situation. I think the mere serious threat of a strike has helped the union and the company come together and work some more things out.

Some good friends of mine just got furloughed from another major US carrier in the last week. They'll end up in another industry before they get around to being recalled. At least one would rather have gone on strike than simply be done away with.

As far as my miles, I really couldn't give a damn about miles. I have tons; I rarely use them. All my TWA miles that were picked up by American are still sitting in that account.

saw Air Force One up close in PHL


I saw AF1 as well but didn't see you...I looked around at my gate.