What happend to spouse travel for New Year's Eve?

[CLTBWIDAYSYR]

Can't get a straight answer from anyone in mgmt over this one. I was told last week it was still being "studied". Stupid me...picked up a trip over New Year's thinking that other half could come with me.

 

[hula-flyguy]

the program was not renewed for this year. For further clairification, contact the chief pilots office, or inflight.

 

[crushed]

Stupid me...picked up a trip over New Year's thinking that other half could come with me.

Are your flights full?
'Cause it's not space pos. your better half can't go?
Just askin'

 

[PQAKnow-It-All]

I 'heard' that the FAs and pilots who had to fly on new years eve did get to take 1 person on positive space along for the trip, so they would have someone to spend the holiday with. I have also 'heard' that is no longer being offered.

('heard' indicates I have no idea if this is true or not, just passing along the gossip I've 'heard' on this side.)

 

[AIRWOMAN]

From Compass FAQ, December 15th edition:

Q. US Airways used to have a program for working crewmembers that allowed those working on New Year's Eve to bring a spouse, significant other along, positive space, on the overnight. Will the company continue to do that this year?
A. Unfortunately, the new airline will not offer a program like this. We looked at this policy and weighed the positive space travel against the heavy loads and anticipated revenue dilution and decided we would no longer offer this benefit. We’re certainly not trying to be Scrooges; rather we’re focusing on revenue during the holiday season (and year-round, really). Positive space tickets dilute revenue because they take a seat from a paying passenger and, frankly, we need to generate all the revenue we can during what promises to be a busy holiday travel season.

 

[linemech]

It is true, Mr. Parkers remarks indicated that revenue was more important.

Giving up a seat to an employee's spouse would deprive the airline of revenue if it were to deny boarding to a paying passenger in order to accommodate the employee.

Mr. Parker went on to say that every employee should understand this.

I know I understand that he and other executives just got a hefty raise just before the holidays, while employees who haven't seen a raise in years and have to work the holidays should only be concerned with revenue. :down:

Linemech.

 

[rjh]

If spouses were to get positive space travel on NYE, as an employee who works for the company, I would expect the same thing. Working on NYE and being away from spouses isn't the best thing, but this is the airline industry after all.

 

[tadjr]

"rather we’re focusing on revenue during the holiday season (and year-round, really). Positive space tickets dilute revenue because they take a seat from a paying passenger and, frankly, we need to generate all the revenue we can during what promises to be a busy holiday travel season."

From looking at several flights this NYE, it shouldnt be a problem to non rev in many instances.
On the other front, if we really have a problem with Space Positive travel during the holiday (and year round, really), they shouldnt have a problem revisiting the Space Positive aspect of Management Vacation Perx should they? ((Holding my breath.)) 😉

 

[CLTBWIDAYSYR]

From looking at several flights this NYE, it shouldnt be a problem to non rev in many instances.
On the other front, if we really have a problem with Space Positive travel during the holiday (and year round, really), they shouldnt have a problem revisiting the Space Positive aspect of Management Vacation Perx should they? ((Holding my breath.)) 😉

This is what I was thinking. The reason this was offered in years past was because loads are traditionally light over New Year's. So much for the dillution of revenue. And yes, many will have no trouble going on a trip with their spouse, but there will be several city pairs that will be challenging for any non-rev.

As for rjh's comment, well, if you are required to travel on company biz, I think that'd be just fine. However, if you work on the ground and can drive home to your love at the end of your shift, then no, I don't think it should be offered.

I have to say I am disappointed on this one. I'd love to have the management positive space vacation perks addressed by the powers that be (in front of an audience of contract employees).

Thanks for the info. Amazing I have to come to a public forum to get this info, when my supervisor told me (on 12/23) that the Co was still studying the idea.

 

[Barbell]

I have to say I am disappointed on this one. I'd love to have the management positive space vacation perks addressed by the powers that be (in front of an audience of contract employees).

I agree, this decision was one of the most egregious in the whole process. I encourage each and every one of us to bring this issue up at Pilot Lunches, Town Halls, and any other venue where Management shows up.

On a side note, you may want to contact your Pass Bureau. I believe on the West side, spouses of crew members may travel at a higher boarding priority when that crew member is traveling on co. business. For Westies, that's at an SA1P (equivalent to a "vacation pass") when spouses traveling together would be at an SA2P.

 

[hula-flyguy]

It is true, Mr. Parkers remarks indicated that revenue was more important.

Giving up a seat to an employee's spouse would deprive the airline of revenue if it were to deny boarding to a paying passenger in order to accommodate the employee.

Mr. Parker went on to say that every employee should understand this.

I know I understand that he and other executives just got a hefty raise just before the holidays, while employees who haven't seen a raise in years and have to work the holidays should only be concerned with revenue. :down:

Linemech.

What the hell does the raise have to do with the space pos holiday program? Yeah, they should be concerned about revenue, as should you. As for working the holidays...I doubt that you recoiled in horror in your interview when you were told you'd be working holidays. Grow up

 

[Res]

Alot of employees work over the holidays and don't have the opportunity to see family or spouses- some commute, some are still working extra because of the pay cut...it's the airline industry, it's just the way it works...it's sad but it is what it is - get over it. As a flight crew employee you probably get to spend more time with ur family and spouse on a regular basis than most employees - Space available it is. I think it's a good business decision.

 

[rjh]

Alot of employees work over the holidays and don't have the opportunity to see family or spouses- some commute, some are still working extra because of the pay cut...it's the airline industry, it's just the way it works...it's sad but it is what it is - get over it. As a flight crew employee you probably get to spend more time with ur family and spouse on a regular basis than most employees - Space available it is. I think it's a good business decision.

Thank you, Res. It amazes me how many ppl #### about the conditions working for an airline . .but that's the nature of the business. Crew members that #### about being delayed for hours, yet they know that can happen in the airline. My favorite was when a reserve pilot complained "I've had to work every one of my reserve days this moneh". Funny .I usually have to work every day I'M scheduled too!

 

[heyray]

Thank you, Res. It amazes me how many ppl #### about the conditions working for an airline . .but that's the nature of the business. Crew members that #### about being delayed for hours, yet they know that can happen in the airline. My favorite was when a reserve pilot complained "I've had to work every one of my reserve days this moneh". Funny .I usually have to work every day I'M scheduled too!

My favorite is when they whine about "flying for free" because they are not going to break gaurantee ....lol

 

[hscottm]

I'm surprised at how the "savvy" HP management let this get spun so negatively.

As a customer (and family member of furloughed PIT RES employee) I can appreciate the need for some revenue focus. I can even see having to discontinue the space-positive program.

But why not amidst all of the given comments point out that employees would of course still be able to do space-available ticketing? And why not note that loads on many flights will be light enough to accomodate this, but that certain ones will not, and they regret it? From that perspective, it sounds like when they disallow SA travel to Europe over the summer.

Also - why not throw a "Free space available upgrade" on the pile if spouses are able to get SA tickets?

Anyway, overall it looks like a major missed opportunity to at least spin some positive out of a necessary decision.