On Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 1:44:58 PM UTC-4, Bill wrote:
wrote:
On Tue, 5 May 2020 07:27:53 -0700 (PDT), Its Me
wrote:

On Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 8:16:34 AM UTC-4, Keyser Soze wrote:


Perhaps there will be a rebirth of airline companies devoted to decent
service at decent prices, but I doubt it.

Only if they can bust the airline worker's unions. The big salaries,
bennies and perks they have are what has driven your knees into the seat
back in front of you.

I don't even think that is true. What really did it is the desire of
fliers to be able to fly to the other coast for $99. They are willing
to give up anything for that price.
All deregulation did was allow the airlines to sell them what they
asked for at a price they are willing to pay.


Most of United pay is not that high. When the pilots union took over
control through an ESOP the employees other than the pilots got screwed.
Then the pilots found out, there was a lack of income to United. Newer
pilots salaries were much lower. And as Fretwell states, $99 fares cuts
services to the bone.

What you and Greg are talking about regarding the cheap fares is certainly a factor, but there are (were) some pretty high salaries in the business as well, and are nearly all unionized. United isn't a great example for pay, but Delta, American and others are. Things may have changed a bit over the last few years, but I've been working pretty closely with most of the majors and many minors over the last 25+ and have a little inside knowledge.

I didn't get to stand on the roof of the ramp control tower on top of the A concourse in Atlanta, taking pictures, for nothing. Lost count of how many towers I've been in, and how many airports I've been badged for.