The American Spectator

Stuart Koehl| 3.19.09 @ 8:04AM

Like Ben, I also travel a lot. And I travel a lot on American Airlines (my quarter million AAdvantage miles prove it). But I have to say that AA has been, in recent years, quite a mixed bag. For instance, last year I booked my wife and daughter on a round trip from DC to Chicago so they could check out the University. That happened to be the week that AA grounded its entire MD80/90 fleet, about which they neglected to warn us. Some rapid juggling, and I managed to rebook them on United. But then, to my surprise, I saw a bill for the AA tickets show up on my Mastercard. Call to AA: "What gives? You cancelled the flight!" Answer: "You have to ASK for a refund". Incredible! "OK, I am asking". Six weeks later, credit shows up on my account, but in the meanwhile, AA had my money for several months, while I was paying 12% interest on it.

Last summer, my daughter traveled to Russia as part of a group of American students. On their way home, their regular flight on United was cancelled, so they were rescheduled on an AA flight from Heath Row to O'Hare, and then from O'Hare to Dulles. But first their flight out of Heath Row was cancelled, and they were bumped to a later (much later) flight, then when they arrived in Chicago, they found all flights from O'Hare to the East Coast cancelled (weather). American Airlines was most unhelpful in getting them home. Eventually, the booked a flight on another airline into Philly, whence they had to drive back to DC in the car of one of the teachers, whose husband drove up to Philly to fetch them. All-in-all, getting from London to DC took them twenty six hours.

On the other hand, a few weeks later, I used some of those AAdvantage miles to take my daughter to Britain as a graduation gift. We flew out of Raleigh-Durham, one of the great secret international gateways. Our American Eagle flight left on time and was early arriving. Our flight to London left on time, and arrived early. Our bags arrived with us. Coming back, Heathrow was Heathrow (but what can you do?). The flights themselves, however, left on time, and arrived early! Service was outstanding (even in coach, Ben), and both of us had our opinion of American raised significantly.

But, if it wants to prosper, such service will have to become the norm, not the exception, and on all of American and American Eagle's routes.

Paul| 3.19.09 @ 8:26AM

My experiences with AA have been entirely and consistently different. I prefer Southwest.

Peter| 3.19.09 @ 8:46AM

My experience with AA has put AA on my "avoid at all costs list". It may well be the case that Mr. Stein receives preferential treatment because of his frequent customer status. I get much better treatment as a regular schmoe on Southwest.

Randy Barnett| 3.19.09 @ 10:24AM

I am glad Ben is happy with American. I feel similarly towards United, though when I dropped from a 1K to am Executive Premier frequent flier I felt a little less love. I am not sure I would feel nearly the same if I were not a frequent flier, so Ben should realize that is most likely contributing to his AA experience. But that is one think I like about United: they have a way to distinguish loyal customers and treat them accordingly. And Ben does not need the extra leg room of Economy Plus as he always rides up front. Another unique plus for the Friendly Skies.

Still flying in general is a drag compared to 10 years ago. I do it less and less, which accounts for only eeking out 50-60K air miles per rather than 100K. And this year, who knows? Maybe I will only clear the Premier hurdle at 25K.

David| 3.19.09 @ 10:30AM

I travel frequently on a variety of airlines - and for awhile, American Airlines, in my mind, was among those losing its grip. But I have to admire them for 'fessing up to some bad business decisions and now making some changes to bring back air service the way it should be. On time, courteous, and showing me they really like having me on their planes.

Richard Ranger| 3.19.09 @ 10:38AM

From my experience as a frequent traveler, I would put Southwest and Alaska up there with any airline, but I think the truth is that the people are more important than the brand. Working for an airline is no longer a glamorous task. Lower fares have brought air travel within reach of a broader customer base, and this factor, coupled with societal coarsening generally, and the fact that airline employees have to labor under some of the least competent managements in the country, mean that anyone dressed in airline livery has a tough job. And the schedule is not for the faint of heart; think about it. A couple of years ago I had a small epiphany when one of my trips did not go well, and I approached the airline employee to whom I pleaded my case with what humor I could muster, and a sense of "we're in this together". It made a huge difference. I now make an effort to greet and to be cordial and -- if the term is apt -- concerned to each of the employees I encounter. I'm always treated courteously in return, and oft times better than that. So I think the people in the transaction matter most, and since one of them is me, I try to do my part to make what is a less and less enjoyable experience as enjoyable for us both as possible. I won't say it works wonders, but it almost always works. Or, as a wise person once counseled: "If I act happier than I feel, I will feel happier than I am".

Howard| 3.19.09 @ 10:39AM

All of the major carriers are a shadow of their former selves. I first flew AA in 1972 from JFK to SFO. A 747 with piano bar. Lunch was a petite filet mignon. Desert cart later. Nice movie and later another beverage service. And this was coach! Now they throw you some peanuts like a monkey.

Chris| 3.19.09 @ 11:20AM

Ben, you've got to be kidding. Are you on their payroll? Or do you pay full-fare First Class? Otherwise, what planet do you live on?

Pilot| 3.19.09 @ 11:28AM

I've had Ben Stein on my flight a couple of times last month. He is a nice guy, chatty and down to earth. That's probably why he is treated well. For the most part AA management destroyed moral so much, by taking from the employees and sticking millions in their own pockets while mismanaging the airline, service is usually not great.

L. Ross| 3.19.09 @ 11:54AM

I always enjoy anything Ben Stein writes, because he writes so well, but as another fairly frequent flier, it has been my experience that service on any airline is an absolute afterthought. Every flight post September 11 has been a drag. I don't think the industry will every recover above its current state which I compare to a flying bus.

Virginia| 3.19.09 @ 12:43PM

I like American, too. What I don't understand is why their employees, like "Pilot," are compelled to constantly bad-mouth their management - don't they see that's it is counter-productive in the public's eye?

Joe| 3.19.09 @ 12:52PM

Ben, I usually agree with you. But American Airlines treats its passagers badly. I have had bad experiences with them twice in the last 2 1/2 years. They did not even have the courticy to appologize to me and others in the problems. I will never use them again. Maybe they treat 1st class people like you well. That is great.

Lee Rodgers| 3.19.09 @ 1:22PM

American's deterioration is painful. Their service to Buenos Aires was so awful, I was delighted to make the return on Delta.

Customer service on American? A bad joke!

TexasAir| 3.19.09 @ 2:38PM

I think AA is still one of the few good airlines. I fly them constantly and am rarely delayed. I agree with Ben Stein's comments that their employees are their great strength. Most airlines don't seem to care if I make it where I need to go, but I've had numerous AA agents go several extra miles to get me out of sticky situations. Things like that make a big impression!

sestamibi| 3.19.09 @ 4:38PM

I refuse to fly AA on principle, even when I lived in Dallas and there were few alternatives available. They were among the first to sanction gay marriage by offering benefits to "domestic partners", and I don't want to pay for that.

chris| 3.19.09 @ 4:54PM

stupidest article ever......Wow you like AA.....hey my 07 Accord has been really good to me......My Puma's are so much better then my Nike's......Tires Plus is so much nicer then Tire Kingdom.....cmon could go on and on....Hey Ben way to meet your quota of articles you had to write....with all this mess going on and all your insight, you tell us how much you like AA.......pretty lame

Tim | 3.19.09 @ 4:55PM

I've been in the airline industry for 27 years. There are many airline employees who should not be in the job. They are indifferent and sometimes absolutely rude to customers. There are also many employees that have excellent customer service skills and treat customers with dignity and respect. Unfortunately it's a thankless job. I've done everything but a back handspring to accommodate a passengers needs without even being acknowledged. Passengers these days are uncivil to each other and to the crew. It's a reflection of our society in general. No one seems to understand that an airline is a business and is trying to make a profit. It seems that people want 99 dollar fares and to be served caviar. If the flight is on time and runs smoothly they will still consider it a bad flight because they didn't like the movie that was being shown. Until the public changes, I don't expect the flying experience to change.

AA ~ 20 YRS | 3.19.09 @ 5:14PM

So many are quick to complain...but rarely take the time to compliment!
I have been w/AA for nearly 20 years. I'm a baby in this AA crowd. For those who have graced these planes for 40+ years (some 60+) are wonderful souls! There isn't a day that goes by that an employee hasn't encountered an angry & frustrated passenger. Some of us think it's a challenge to fix the problem...others think they don't deserve the approaching attitudes and handle it in a not-so professional manner.
Regardless, we're all human! We all deserve to be treated with respect. No matter the damage, it's all repairable to some extent.
Thank you to Mr. Stein and the travelers that choose American Airlines.

not chris' friend| 3.19.09 @ 5:23PM

Hey Chris... you didn't appreciate the article? Guess you didn't listen to any of Obama's celebrity friends/cheerleaders before voting last year!? Oh Please! Get used to it. People think celebrities are the 'all knowing' speakers of the world! Some actually DO KNOW what they're talking about!

mimi| 3.19.09 @ 5:46PM

hey Ben, you're pretty much outnumbered! Most of us have forgotten about AA. I "avoid it at all cost"!

Craig| 3.19.09 @ 7:04PM

My experience with AA has been very negative. I live in AA’s home of Dallas/Fort Worth, and for the most part they treat me as I have little choice other than to fly them, which I don’t. My flights are often late or cancelled. I seem to inconvenience them when I ask for a drink. They have lost my baggage twice in one day. And I will never forget the time they told me that they may have removed my ID tags from the outside of my bag in order to expedite its being shipped to the lost baggage processing center, where they would open it and look for identification that would help them determine the owner. Thank God for Southwest who doesn’t promise much, but delivers what they promise.

David Thompson| 3.19.09 @ 7:32PM

Richard Ranger is the ideal customer.
From which wise person did you get that final quote, Mr. Ranger?
Thank you for allowing all of of his wisdom, and yours.

EnviroZ| 3.19.09 @ 8:05PM

I'll have to stand with Ben here! Good grief, I have no idea what you all are griping about. I mean, I fly consistently in coach, so it's not "preferential treatment" or anything, but the service is excellent. Generally kind flight attendants, exceedingly professional pilots, speedy and efficient ground crew... The whole deal is far superior to all other competitors.

Jim| 3.19.09 @ 8:49PM

Mr. Stein,

I enjoy listening to you and admire you, but you do realize how draconian and AIG-like AMR management has been, don't you?

Whilst the employees of American Airlines have given back BILLIONS in concessions and thousands of lay-offs, the management at AMR has reaped almost $300,000,000 in bonuses in the few years.

When the strikes at American start happening due to stalled negotiations, you will understand our deep-seated despise of AMR management. If we are nice to you, it is because that is the way people should treat people at all times, especially in business. It is sad that you have to write an article about being treated nice. Also, we, as employees, are intimately aware of where our bread is buttered. That cannot be said about AMR since the employees are their customers. As is said on a daily basis at Southwest Airlines where my wife works, "Take care of your employees, they will take care of business."

Sincerely,

Jim K. Walton
Captain, American Airlines

MW| 3.20.09 @ 1:39AM

Flying these days is painful regardless of who you fly, cattlecars all around. But what I will say about American is that military personnel on leave that pass through DFW get access to AA's Admiral's Club free of charge with leave papers. After 36 hours in airplanes and terminals from there to Baghdad the chance for a shower and a couch is a godsend.

psychiatrist| 3.20.09 @ 6:09AM

To Jim Walton

If Southwest is a better company to work for why don't you leave American and try to get hired by Southwest. Your deep seated hatred of AA management probably stems from your need to be in control and resentment of authority. Employees are not customers of their employers. Employees work for their employers in exchange for pay and benefits. Should your strikes destroy AA and push them into bankruptcy, you will be impacting the livelyhood of tens of thousands of other employees. I guess that will make you feel powerful. Bravo.

Tom| 3.20.09 @ 9:16AM

Know the difference between and AA Jet Engine and an AA Pilot? The engine stops whining at the gate! Can you imagine how difficult it is, and always has been, to listen to these babies and their Union complain and put the company down? It is just sickening. If you want to be a 'top management employee' and reap the benefits/bonuses, you should have chosen that career path. Same for me. But, you didn't- you chose to be a pilot. Quit complaining, hold your head up high, and support the company for Pete's sake!

Ted| 3.20.09 @ 10:20AM

I used to fly AA almost exclusively. I have 1.8M miles in their Advantage program and was a member back in the day when it was "invitation only." Ben's feelings reflect mine of ten years ago. Since about the time AA bought TWA they have not been the same airline. The service in first class is still OK. If you are a gold or platinum Advantage member you are able to avoid a lot of the hassles at the gates and baggage problems. If you happen to get stuck in coach, however, it all changes. The planes are old and ragged, the seats are narrow and the leg room non existent. AA charges for "meals" and "snacks" in coach and generally treats coach passengers like cattle. After a particularly bad experience on an international flight a couple of years ago I switched to Continental. Wow, what a difference! Continental really does treat their passengers like customers. In Business First the treatment is like the old days, great meals, great service. In coach, the planes are new, the seats comfortable and meals are included in the fare. The only down side is that Continental does not have as many flights as AA or United. The result is that if the wheels come off the wagon (weather - equipment) one might get delayed for some significant time. It hasn't happened to me yet, but I have heard some pretty sad stories from fellow travelers. In any case, imho, it is Continental that is doing things right today.

Different pilot| 3.20.09 @ 3:28PM

to psychiatrist:

Jim probably doesn't leave AA due to the nature of the seniority system for pilots which starts the day he's hired at an airline. Jim has likely been at AA for at least 20 years and his seniority gives him a good quality of life -- weekends off, better schedule, pay etc. If he started over at SWA he would start at the bottom and work his way up again. He's bitter because the company he signed on with 20+ years ago is not the same caliber of operation today.

Connie| 3.20.09 @ 3:32PM

AA has always been a fine airline for me and my family to fly. We all have had a negative experience while traveling on any airline, not just American. I am surprised that one comment above alluded to a pilot strike. That perhaps is the most irresponsible thing anyone could do at this time when all airlines are struggling. It seems to me that employees like this lead to the poor flying experience that some others here have discussed. The us against them mentality is truly detrimental to American and clearly illustrates that there are bad apples no matter where you are.

Another Pilot| 3.20.09 @ 5:39PM

to Connie:

The majority of pilots at AA are ready to strike. They took a paycut in 2003 to keep the company out of bankruptcy when management promised "shared sacrifice and shared gain." Since then the pilots have been flying for the equivalent of 1992 wages (could you live now on what you made in 1992) while management has rewarded themselves with $296,000,000 worth of bonuses. The pilots want to know where the shared gain is. It's never a good time to strike; when the economy is bad people ask, "How could you think of a pay raise now?" When the economy is good the company says, "There's too much competition, we need to keep costs low." But your doctor and plumber don't live on 1992 wages, do they?

joe| 3.20.09 @ 6:00PM

To Different Pilot

No company in the United States, airline or not, operates on the same caliber as it did 20 plus years ago. That, I'm afraid, is just a fact of life. Bitterness, like happiness, is a choice. You can be grateful for what you still have, or focus on what you lost. You stated yourself that Jim has a good quality of life, ie. weekends off, better schedule, pay, etc. Plus he has a spouse that also works for an airline. I'm sure their combined income is quite impressive. I don't think Jim would get much sympathy from the public when they hear that the AA pilots want a 50 percent salary increase. Especially from the 3 million people that lost their jobs in the last 12 months. I know things are not the same at AA...........I've worked there for 23 years.............but destroying it will accomplish nothing. Just as an FYI, the following companies don't operate on the same caliber as they once did.............Eastern, Pan American, TWA, Air Cal, PSA, National, Republic, Southern, Hughes Airwest, Braniff, North Central, Frontier, Reno Air, Northeast, Mohawk, Northwest(my old alma mater), Western.

TexasAir| 3.20.09 @ 8:20PM

I don't think the majority of pilots are ready to strike. Just this week the pilots union's board censured its leader for showing no results after years of negotiating. It's time for a change of leadership there if they want anything to get done. Talk of a strike is beyond irresponsible in this economy.

Pilot| 3.21.09 @ 10:32PM

TexasAir
I don't know one pilot who isn't ready to strike. They can't fly an airline without pilots. Just like Texas Air sometimes a management team just runs a company into the ground with greed and incompetance. And there is nothing you can do about it.

Swanks| 3.22.09 @ 4:15PM

You absolutely are kidding, right? AA is an absolute nightmare of an airline. So much of a no-fly option on my list I will touch own on a one stop vs fly direct on AA. I hate them. They're airport staff are among the most lazy, arrogant, losers I have ever encountered.
I despise these people to a core and will NEVER fly AA.

Davd| 3.22.09 @ 11:43PM

Southwest Airlines rules...

Paddy| 3.23.09 @ 1:38AM

There is a huge problem generally with airlines in the United States. The difficulty flying non-stop for a reasonable price between large centres is one - but if more Americans flew with more foreign airlines more frequently you would realise how bad things really are for you! Most Australians I know dread flying in the USA.

Marie| 3.23.09 @ 4:55PM

I agree with Ben. I LOVE American and 99% of the time have a really great experience. Sure, from time-to-time, not everything is perfect. But give me a break! We're talking about the miracle of human flight here! You're sitting in a chair...in the sky!

Perhaps you naysayers could benefit from a few minutes watching this video about how amazing everything is...yet nobody is happy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGYx35ypus.

I, for one, am delighted by the experiences AA enables for me.

Colleen| 3.24.09 @ 9:23PM

is there a better airline to fly from LA to Charlotte on with a carry on pet? i think not

Frequent Flyer Girl| 3.25.09 @ 12:30PM

I think that so many customers and emplyees of AA forget that there are just humans behind everyday operations. People make mistakes and get frustrated. Even when I travel, when I step foot on that plane no one on the plane knows I'm an employee. I watch to see not only how I am treated but how other passengers are trreated. I have not had an experience in which I have seen a customer being mistreated. What I have seen is customers that have been rude and disrespectful to people that are trying to help. You can't say that someone will not help you if you do not ask nice the first go round. A lot of people react to you intial attitude and if you give a nasty one you probably will get a nasty one too. On almost every flight I've been on there has been exceptional service in evry cabin. I've been the in the best seats as well as the worst and was treated no differently. But you need to remind yourself that there is a different level of service for those that purchase the higher class of services and that is what they pay. You cannot expect everything that first class member gets in coach. And what I see every member get is respect. Before you make judgements on people think about your job and how you feel when you have people yell at youfor something that is not even your fault. We are only human. And to the people that are bad mouthing the company. Maybe if you were more positive in your job things would go alot smother. The last time that I was that unhappy with job, I knew it was time for a change. Just because you are letting things bring you down does not mean that you should try to bring the company down with you. If eveyone made a pledge to be positive then maybe that psotivity would reflect on our customers. My comment will be to the customers that are so dissatisfied about our service. If you really hate American all I can say is don't fly on us. That is the best solution to keep the rest of customers away from your negativity and you happy. If you can't be happy with us be happy with someone else.

Phillip| 3.25.09 @ 8:47PM

As a former USAF pilot (30 yrs), the best I can say about the AA pilots is that so far their union mentality has not kicked in while they are in the cockpit!

AAgent| 3.26.09 @ 2:19AM

I work for American as an Airport Agent, cross trained, Gates, Ticket Counter and Baggage Service. I worked for 7 years and then took a 5 year leave of absence after 9/11. I retained my flight benefits. I have since returned. I returned a bit too late and lost all of my senioirty and pay. I returned because I truly believe it is a great airline with a long history. It is the only legacy carrier that has not declared bankruptcy. It would be very convenient for that to happen and have a judge negate or reconstruc the unions contracts. I believe that AA pilots are the highest paid in the industry. Perhaps Southwest is higher but AA pilots have some very lucrative retirement benefits I belive. This could all be taken away or changed with a strike and bankruptcy. It does get old working flights at the gate and hearing the majoirty of pilots negative comments about the company. This does spill over into the customer experience. IN my opion the pilots could be jeopardizing their jobs and the other 60,000 jobs at AA. Management does need to be fair and open their eyes to some improvements that could be obtained. But these union and "babies" can't demand the world especially in this eeconomy and expect job security. The airline could coninue to downsize and furlough more of the pilot ranks. Do more want to beout of work ? If you're the highest paid or close to it don't unreasonable and jeopardinze an approx 75 year old company and the jobs of employees that do enjoy their jobs. AA was the largest in the world before the DL NW merger. (i'm not sure how that is going to work out). With al arge airline with a concentrated amount of flights at a hub weather can certainly casue disruptions. Most of us try to get passengers to their final destination ASAP. I do apologize because I really do appreciate their business and hope that they actually enjoy the service and want to see the company succeed. The passenger almost always replies to my apology with "it's not your fault, thank you for doing what you can." I just wish the unions could take pride in the company. Trynot to bring every down at the company and don't be unreasonable in this economic time. It could backfire and there won't be ANY pay or seniority left. Just as a judge fined the union all of their cash reserves of approz 45 million a few years ago for their "sickout" and "slowdown". The company waived the fine and enables the union to continue. Everyone try to get along, treat passengers nicely (some won't ever be happy) and work together. I've asked a mechanic once about a procedure that we were both involved in and was told " I don't care what you do" and another at JFK that said he is not supposed to be talking to be because I'm in Passenger Serive and he is Maintenance. I'm not inm a mighty union. Just be reasonable, get along and wuit bad mouthing your employer. They could continue to downsize if you run more passengers off. Thankss for reading. may be the ambien but I do stand behind everything I've said.

Nancy| 3.31.09 @ 4:33PM

You have to respect AA for never having declared bankruptcy and weathering the post-9/11 world with cost-cutting by ALL employees. Everyone tightened their belts and took pay cuts and did more to ensure success in the long run.

I too am a frequent traveler and enjoy being treated like a person. I try to always have a kind word for the employees that are trying their best to get me to my destination. AA does a great job for me - and I'm not a celebrity. DFW is home and AA is my airline for life.

vivian| 3.31.09 @ 4:50PM

AA has been my airline of choice for over 30 years, and I hope for many years to come. It's interesting that these piltos that complain anonimously never state that they are the HIGHEST paid pilots in the industry. Unlike other airlines that declared bankrupcy and re-strucured their union contracts with much lower pay and benefits, AA has taken the high road to the benefit of its employees. It's time these pilots realize they have a great job, with great pay and benefits. The only thing they should complain about is the dysfunction of their union and its destructive mentality.

airline middle-management| 3.31.09 @ 8:10PM

@Another Pilot

You're not a doctor (pinnacle of independent skill-based labor). You're not a plumber (more independent skill-based labor). You're a glorified bus-driver, and the glory days are long gone. Buck up, buddy. With hardly any more effort than it takes to get a class C driver's license, I can go get my pilot's license. Not only would I gain a skill that's incredibly fun and useful, but it'll get me a job as well. Enjoy it for what you get or get a crappy job that'll pay you more money like everyone else in the world. You're nothin special, anymore. Just a cry-baby scratching and clawing for days gone by. Flight attendants are no longer prostitutes... Pilots are no longer rock-stars. Get used to it...

Jim - Spouse of AAer| 4.1.09 @ 11:45PM

Before I say anything else I want to echo Phillip's comments. AA pilots are masters in the cockpit.

Having said that ...

The pilots' union has to chill out. No one is going to take them seriously anymore when all they do is complain about the money.

The pilots' union complains about deserving a better deal, but they don't mind taking advantage of every loophole in the existing contract to find ways to AVOID flying and still get paid.

Let me give a little example: Let's take a hypothetical pilot (we'll call him Roger) and let's say that he notices on the schedule a trip that is open and needs a pilot to fly it. Roger isn't scheduled to fly anywhere else and he speaks up and says "I'll take the trip".

But Roger doesn't take the trip. Roger never intended to take the trip. When it's time to fly he calls in sick and another pilot has to be found on short notice, potentially disrupting a dozen or more flights.

But under the terms of the horrible, draconian, unfair contract the pilots are FORCED to labor under, Roger gets paid. Twice.

Yep. I said twice.

You see, under the terms of the contract, Roger is GUARANTEED to get paid when he picks up the extra trip, even if he gets sick. And he gets paid sick time. Plus AA has to pay the pilot who actually did fly the trip.

THREE paychecks in ONE pilot's seat.

So think about those poor, put-upon pilots the next time you're sitting in an airport on a beautiful day waiting on a delayed AA flight and wondering why your ticket was so expensive.

Robert| 4.2.09 @ 10:34PM

To: airline middle-management

You obviously have no clue what you are talking about. I don't know what makes you think that getting a pilot's license is as easy as getting a class C driver's license. Even earning just a private pilot's certificate is more involved, time consuming and expensive. And having one of those will only entitle you to fly your friends around in VFR conditions in a light airplane.

So you're a private pilot and now you want to fly for the airlines? Alright, let's start by adding an instrument rating, then a commercial pilot certificate and finally a multi engine rating. For each, you will have flight instruction, ground instruction, an FAA written exam and a check ride with the FAA. Now you have what it takes to be hired by an airline according to the FAA.

Well, not so fast! No major airline in country will hire you right out of flight school with so little real world experience. So how about becoming a flight instructor. You'll add a CFI, CFII, and MEI - you guessed it, more flight training, ground training, written exams and an FAA check ride for each.

At this point you've easily spent $50,000, but probably more like 60-75K. At least you should be able to get hired as a flight instructor now. Finally you are getting paid to fly airplanes! Don't worry about the fact that you'll be getting paid less than the kid flipping burgers at McDonalds because the important thing is you are now building valuable flight time.

Next step might be charter work or if you are lucky, you'll get picked up by a regional airline which these days most likely means straight to the right seat of a regional jet (unlike the old days of flying a Beech 1900 or a Metroliner). Now you've really arrived! You are an airline pilot - CONGRATULATIONS! Of course you'll only be making 20-25K per year if you're lucky, but like before, you are building valuable flight time and jet time at that.

After a few years at a regional airline, you finally have the necessary experience to possibly get an interview with one of the major airlines. Assuming you actually get hired, you'll start out as a narrow body FO. Many years down the road you'll upgrade to captain and you'll finally be making that 6 figure income you've been coveting.

So rather than sitting there in your middle management position, complaining about what pilots make, why don't you head down to the local airport and sign up for flight training. You will find that it is WAY more involved than you ever imagined.

One final thought. There is no computer in the world that could have guided that A320 to a safe landing in the Hudson. If you had been a passenger on that flight, you'd be thanking your lucky stars that a true professional like Sully was at the controls and not some "glorified bus driver" as you put it. Pilots have every bit as much responsibility as doctors and deserve to be handsomely compensated for what they do. Do you want to sit in the back and take a chance with some underpaid newbies up front? My guess would be no. I think most people would be willing to pay a few dollars more for their ticket to have highly skilled, highly compensated professionals at the controls.

Diane Troutman| 4.3.09 @ 9:51AM

Thank you Mr. Stein for the wonderful comments about my airline-AMERICAN AIRLINES. In this day of so many negatives it is such a reward to know that there is room for being positive. THANK YOU and I hope all your travels will be as you described. Because of your observation I will try even harder to be the best I can for the customer and my airline. I hope our paths will cross and I will be honored to help you get to your final destination. Diane Troutman F/A Chicago

notapilotatall| 4.6.09 @ 12:30AM

Hello Ben, et al.,

Firstly, I find your commentary intelligent, entertaining and always useful, Ben. Thank you.

Next, pilots aren't bus drivers. They take a large crowd of people to 30,000 feet, propel them at 500 miles/hr, and get them to a destination half-way around the world. Bus drivers can always just pull over and walk away. How many bus drivers die in a crash or are forced to come to a stop in a body of water? Have a little respect.

Finally, I have to agree with Paddy: all US based airlines fall far short of the service found on the Asian-based airlines, even China Air (which is the worst of these) is far heads and shoulders above the US air providers.

airline middle management| 4.8.09 @ 4:47PM

@Robert

Thanks for illustrating my point so eloquently.

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