Virgin America's wages and T&Cs are below industry standards but it is instructive to learn that a lot of these airlines that pay relatively well today were paying their pilots below industry average when they first started. The advantage they have is time in business.
Southwest has been in business for over 40 years - their salary was pretty bad when they started. (Excellent fuel hedging strategy among other things allowed them to eventually become the poster airline for record profitability)
Jetblue has been flying for about 10 years - I understand their starting salary was US$98/hr
Spirit salary wasn't all that great either. As an anecdote was told to me by a very senior Spirit Captain, when Spirit started up 20 years or so ago(wasn't named Spirit then), the owner told his pilots:"Look, I cant pay you well right now but I can promise you a very good scheduling QOL.
The common thread between all the above airliines is that they eventually became profitable and it was impossible/unconscionable to not compensate the pilots accordingly.
It is hoped that if Virgin America is able to weather the economic storm and grows it's way into profitability, it will step up to the plate and reward it's pilots(and other workers) handsomely for their hardwork, dedication and sacrifice.
Last edited by Jasavir; 9th November 2011 at 21:49.