American Airlines Cuts - I'm freaking out

**Jamauk** · 05-21-2008, 09:33 PM

American Airlines announced today that they are grounding up to 12% of their fleet. http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080521/bs_nm/amr_dc

My DH is a Captain at a Major Airline (not American) and I'm really starting to freak out. American is the largest domestic carrier and if it can happen to them.....my DH's company seems to be in a pretty good position, but they are still losing money and the cost of oil is still rising. Its looking that 12 months from now the chance of DH having his current job is probably less than 50%.

I'm kind of freaking out - we're getting ready to start building a house, we're in the middle of an adoption....all of these things take money.

We are looking at other options for DH is he should lose his job (most of these options involve him flying for a foreign carrier) - and these should help keep food on the table...

The biggest problem is that his job is so specialized and requires such specialized training, its not like if his company goes under he can go find a management job or something else - he's a pilot and its all he's ever been.

Ok....I'm off to go search for pennies under the couch and continue my nervous breakdown. I'm sure after I really sit and think I'll be much calmer, but thanks for listening as I freak out right now!

**Cricket1** · 05-21-2008, 09:38 PM

Breathe--nothing has happened to his company right now. Breathe!

**jamie79** · 05-21-2008, 09:47 PM

Well if worse comes to it then he could join the services. They need pilots

**dianne9106** · 05-21-2008, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by jamie79

Well if worse comes to it then he could join the services. They need pilots

To true Jamie - all branches are always hiring!

Jessica, I know the adoption is a huge process in and of itself, so perhaps maybe ya'll should plan to rent until you can see what is going to happen with DH and his company. Also like Cricket said - breathe!
Best Wishes - Dianne

**emily_hope** · 05-21-2008, 10:04 PM

I can understand your feelings. My DH is and aircraft mechanic for American Airlines.

**Michelle68** · 05-21-2008, 11:56 PM

Try not to worry. He still has his job and there's no use worrying about something that hasn't happened. (Though I know it's hard not to.) Sending hugs your way.

--Michelle

**Jamauk** · 05-22-2008, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by emily_hope

I can understand your feelings. My DH is and aircraft mechanic for American Airlines.

Emily - Hope,
Was your DH effected by the cutbacks? I'll keep you guys in my thoughts.

To everyone else - thanks for the support and encouragement. I'm feeling a little calmer now. I think it just hit a little close to home, is all. While DH's airline is considered one of the "majors", its not a legacy carrier and just still seems a little vulnerable (the airline is only about seven? years old).

We do have Plan B (and C & D, for that matter), so I know we'll be ok. I just hate to see things like this happening to so many airlines. It breaks my heart for those families.

Thanks again everyone and I'll be sure to update if any new news hits!

**Nishu** · 05-22-2008, 12:19 AM

That's rough.

It says right there in the article that other airlines are considering following suit. Worst case, I'm sure you guys will be fine. You seem to be really smart with your money.

Have you considered putting off building a house for a few months until we see where the economy and gas prices are going? Your timing is just so unlucky.

Good luck, I hope things aren't as bad as they seem.

**Jamauk** · 05-22-2008, 12:27 AM

We won't start building until at least January or Feb. We are building a log home and winter cut logs are most desirable - so that'll at least give us a good 6-8 months for us to see what might be happening.

**dolphin** · 05-22-2008, 01:17 AM

Wow, that's so scary! I hope they keep your dh and don't have to lay him off. Lots of good thoughts coming your way!

**Palooka** · 05-22-2008, 01:22 AM

Jamauk, in my thoughts.

**Its_Donna** · 05-22-2008, 05:19 AM

Hang in there

**emily_hope** · 05-22-2008, 06:44 AM

My DH hasn't been affected so far. He has been there over 20 years and if worse comes to worse he can just go ahead and retire.

**luv-my-lexi** · 05-22-2008, 07:01 AM

Jessica, all I can do is send

your way and hope your dh's job stays secure.

**happimommi** · 05-22-2008, 07:51 AM

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst. My DH teaches in a small rural school that is already making cuts, his job is secure for next year, but after that we just don't know. Hope all goes well for your family.