Questions for Delta folks

[Amateur Mom]

My husband got a conditional job offer from Delta this week!! It won't be 100% official for another week or so, but hopefully everything should work out ok. He's scheduled to start training on Jan. 7.

I'm interested in all the details (good, bad, and ugly!) about working for them, particularly, stuff that directly affects family life. What's the first year going to be like, if he's commuting and sitting reserve a lot? Will we ever see him? From what I understand, the least senior bases are Atlanta and New York. We live in NC (a little over an hour from the nearest airport, ugh!)

What kinds of health insurance do they offer? Is it expensive?
What are the best things about working for them in your opinion? The worst things?

Anything else you think would be good to know? I'm having a hard time even thinking of questions to ask!

Thanks so much!!

[katbuad]

Wow a Delta offer, that is very impressive. Congratulations!!

Sorry, I am no help with your questions.

[Amateur Mom]

Thanks! He is really excited!

[Kristie]

I'm trying to get doug on here to help you.... he has more company answers than i can provide.

[Doogie]

Originally Posted by Amateur Mom

My husband got a conditional job offer from Delta this week!! It won't be 100% official for another week or so, but hopefully everything should work out ok. He's scheduled to start training on Jan. 7.

Congrats! Welcome!

I'm interested in all the details (good, bad, and ugly!) about working for them, particularly, stuff that directly affects family life. What's the first year going to be like, if he's commuting and sitting reserve a lot?

It probably depends on the base and the aircraft. Naturally, the more "junior" the aircraft, the less amount of time he'll sit reserve. You never know, he might even be lucky like I was and not sit reserve at all. I haven't looked at the domestic reserve coverage in years so I'm not sure what's going on over on that side of the operation.

Will we ever see him?

Sure! I think most reserve lines have 12 days off, or something like that. I'll have to check.

From what I understand, the least senior bases are Atlanta and New York. We live in NC (a little over an hour from the nearest airport, ugh!)

Lots of NC commuters when I was based in ATL and even some in JFK as well. Right now, new hires are going to the 767 international in JFK, MD-88 in ATL and NYC and I think the 737-800 in ATL and SLC, I'll have to check again. If he doesn't get the base he wants off the bat, there are going to be a number of opportunities in the next few months to bid another base. There's a good amount of upward progression going on now.

What kinds of health insurance do they offer? Is it expensive?

New hire class will include a 'spouse lunch', which generally includes a tour of the facilities and an HR rep visiting to talk about the health benefits.

What are the best things about working for them in your opinion?

Killer international network! Largely recession-proof because we're flying full planes of European tourists coming here to take advantage of the crappy dollar. So if (when?) the US economy takes a dump, they'll be somewhat insulated from the requisite drop in leisure and business travel.

The worst things?

Waaaay too much outsourcing. You can buy a ticket on the airline and have no idea who you're really riding on sometimes.

Anything else you think would be good to know? I'm having a hard time even thinking of questions to ask!

Send him over to Jetcareers. There's a bunch of us over there at all levels of seniority and we'll take care of him and make sure you two get settled in alright!

Thanks so much!!

Not a problem.

Ask away!

[Amateur Mom]

Doug, thanks so much! I will have him check out the jetcareers website. We're looking forward to the new job, but its a big lifestyle change and any info. to make the transition as smoothly as possible is much appreciated.