Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Final Descent

I am sitting in the crew room of another domicile. I have a 3 hour sit. I don't like coming down here as it looks like a homeless shelter. This is a very heavy commuter base so lots of people sleeping...sitting around....laying around.

I am on my last ever 4 day trip at my airline. I took the first leg today. My First Officer is a new hire. Nice guy. Former military.

Normally in my downtime between flights I check out open trips for extra money or look for trips to trade. Right now my schedule is empty. There's nothing. Being the middle of the month I could alternatively look at trips for next month. But....I won't be here. It's a surreal feeling.

My last flight is a 5 AM departure from KICT on Saturday. Really early. Once I park my aircraft for the last time I will join my family for a trip to see extended family over Thanksgiving.

My first day at American is November 28th. My next trip at my current airline is supposed to be on the 24th. I put in my notice for my last day to be the 24th so I can enjoy Thanksgiving with my family. Because of this I had to do something I almost never do. I had to BUY AN AIRLINE TICKET to get back home.

It was a painful experience. I did get my employee discount though...so there's that.

I have just 8 legs left. I will fly 5 of them as the last leg is mine.

Ten years. A little more than 6400 hours of airline flight time. It's been a very interesting experience.

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Two more trips

I have just two more trips at my airline.

Last week I passed my 10th anniversary. Crazy how fast the time has gone by. I've flown roughly 6200 hours at my airline. I thought I'd flying closer to 9000. 

It's funny when I was just starting out I figured I'd fly as much as possible. I then learned it's fun to get paid for more than I actually fly. I get paid for 72 hours a month (75 for when I'm on reserve). Over 10 years I've been paid for roughly 8800 hours (73ish average hours a month over 10 years). Not bad eh?

I'm excited and nervous about taking the leap to American.

Right now I'm senior and have job security. Going to American will put me on the BOTTOM of the seniority list . It just takes one hiccup in the economy or security of the world to disrupt the travel industry. Worry not....I'm going.

My last trip at my current airline will be a 5 AM departure from ICT on the 18th of November. I will then land in base and join my family for a flight to visit family for Thanksgiving. My last "day" here will be the 24th. I delay my quitting to have my benefits as long as possible.

I will try and kick myself to blog during the training at American. I've already been very impressed by the onboarding process at American. Everyone has been over the top accommodating and forthcoming with information. I truly feel welcomed and I haven't even started.