I am not sure why the weather has been so crazy here in dallas. It has been at least 100 degrees just about everyday for the last 3 weeks. It sucks! Kind of ironic, that I will be working in Phoenix where it is even hotter! Ugh! Im looking forward to the experience, and I feel I will be initially well prepared, even though the evil forces of darkness are continually trying to beat me down. lol. If anyone can answer, when do travel benefits with Mesa start? Do they start as soon as you start working there? Just curious.
hot here in Dallas!
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manniax
Well-met in the Ka-tet
If I recall correctly, you are eligible for flying on Mesa flights right away. I'm not sure if there is a wait for other airline flights. The best thing to do would be to call Mesa HR and ask them.
However, you should be able to start jumpseating as soon as you're signed off. I do not know if Mesa participates in the CASS program...this makes it possible to fly in the cockpit of other airlines. Dispatchers are eligible for CASS but some companies don't like paying for the required background checks and computer systems. Even if you're not in CASS there, though, you should be able to jumpseat as a non-revenue passenger on airlines like Southwest...you just would be stuck if the flight is full.
However, you should be able to start jumpseating as soon as you're signed off. I do not know if Mesa participates in the CASS program...this makes it possible to fly in the cockpit of other airlines. Dispatchers are eligible for CASS but some companies don't like paying for the required background checks and computer systems. Even if you're not in CASS there, though, you should be able to jumpseat as a non-revenue passenger on airlines like Southwest...you just would be stuck if the flight is full.
thanks for the info. Mesa does use cass. Also, I was just told that since they codeshare with United, US Air, and Delta, I should be able to non rev on any of their flights as well.
manniax
Well-met in the Ka-tet
Just make sure that they have CASS for dispatchers as well as pilots. At my last airline the union had to get involved before we got the dispatchers included. Dispatchers are eligible for CASS and don't let anyone tell you differently.
I did talk to the woman that hired me and that is one of the reasons we need a current passport. I am nervous, yet excited about all of this. I did have another opportunity with another regional, but I like phoenix, and I think this will be good for me. I can still kinda maintain a residence in Dallas, and come back often.
It would be nice to hear about any of my other classmates and if any of them have gotten jobs.
F9DXER
Well-Known Member
Yes you will need a passport if you want to be in CASS.
Jumpseat privileges should start right away with your carrier and as soon as you can be put in CASS with all the other airlines you have jumpseat agreements with. Remember just because MESA has jumpseat agreements with other airlines, make sure it includes dispatchers.
Somethings you should know about residency. You can keep TX as your legal residence. But you will be earning your paycheck in AZ, thus they will take out AZ state tax and you will have to file as an AZ non-resident at the end of the year. Also MESA may offer medical/dental but you might end up paying more if you keep your family (presuming you are married) in TX. The medical/dental options are based on where you work not were you decide you want to live.
Commuting does suck. Normally it is about a 2.5 hour commute (flight) for me. I have had to fly as much as 5 hours in one day to make it to work on time. Ended up having to fly IND-PHX-DEN because of, take your pick, mechanical, weather issues. Also until you are able to hold a line, you are probably going to be on a relief line. Meaning you won't have a set work schedule and that even makes it harder to commute.
F9DXER
Jumpseat privileges should start right away with your carrier and as soon as you can be put in CASS with all the other airlines you have jumpseat agreements with. Remember just because MESA has jumpseat agreements with other airlines, make sure it includes dispatchers.
Somethings you should know about residency. You can keep TX as your legal residence. But you will be earning your paycheck in AZ, thus they will take out AZ state tax and you will have to file as an AZ non-resident at the end of the year. Also MESA may offer medical/dental but you might end up paying more if you keep your family (presuming you are married) in TX. The medical/dental options are based on where you work not were you decide you want to live.
Commuting does suck. Normally it is about a 2.5 hour commute (flight) for me. I have had to fly as much as 5 hours in one day to make it to work on time. Ended up having to fly IND-PHX-DEN because of, take your pick, mechanical, weather issues. Also until you are able to hold a line, you are probably going to be on a relief line. Meaning you won't have a set work schedule and that even makes it harder to commute.
F9DXER
I am planning on keeping my place in Dallas. I am going to get a place in Phx as well, and we will just have to see about the commuting thing. I am not married. My kids are on their moms insurance, which I pay for. That is good about the cass being effective soon. I have heard that Mesa has jumpseat agreements with alot of airlines, so it wont be a problem getting around.