Change is inevitable. No matter what we do everything changes around us. All those platitudes about time marching on, growing older and hopefully wiser seem to be true. For years I flew the SFO downtown layover. I loved the hotel and all aspects of it. I had my favorite Indian, Thai and Italian restaurants. The staff at the Starbucks on the corner knew my name and drink. I preferred the purser position but would fly F/C or B/C galley (much to the reserve's surprise). Unfortunately staffing went from 6 to 5, layovers from 23 hours to 19hours and 56 minutes (20 hours and over requires a downtown layover on the S-UA side). My favorite hotel redecorated their rooms, the staff changed at Starbucks and the Crossover became a reality. Change was clearly due. I leaped at the chance to re-energize my flying career. I wanted new opportunities to make flying as exciting as it was 22 years ago. The Crossover made that dream a reality. I enjoy a varied flying experience with long and short layovers at my finger tips. Plus the added bonus of having my seniority is back to where it was 22 years ago! ;-) Surprisingly enough I'm OK with that.
When my friends on the S-UA side ask how things are, they are generally asking about flying reserve, being at the bottom of the seniority list and my pay status. I can honestly say things are good. Just when I'm sick of waiting for scheduling to call a new month begins and I am able to pick up trips. I'm enjoying new destinations and new friends. Best of all I actually have money in my pocket (except on those occasions when my daughter's college expenses rears it's ugly head). I'm paying my bills, saving for a rainy day, accruing a pension and looking forward to the time we have a merged contract.
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