DashTrash

I would argue that career earnings might actually be more at United, based on current CBAs. I have been on property just over two years and can hold FO on all airplanes, except the 400 (United speak for the 747). Delta has less wide body aircraft and based on what was part of TA2015, that may not change much. Upgrade is very soon at Delta, but it's on the MD88/90 in NYC. That is difficult duty!!! That airplane in what happens when the Jetson's meet the Flintstones'...

sweptback

Here are the pros/cons as I see it:

United:
Does most of their own international flying, however smaller domestic network
More widebodies, better chance of being a 777/787/350 captain than at Delta
Operates at one NY airport (LGA is only flying to hubs) which makes bidding/commuting easier
Stronger union

Delta:
Better management (today)
Quicker upgrade (although that was for guys hired 2-3 years ago)
Joint ventures with KLM/Air France/Virgin Atlantic mean less international flying
Better domestic network, but less variety out of JFK for international
Fewer widebodies, could limit career earning potential

Bases and culture are personal preference. If all you care about is NY then it may not matter, since both are junior (although SFO is more so for UA).

DCAJRMAN

Go to the first class offered. Wherever that may be. Then make the call when the next one calls. You never know when things will come to a screeching halt.
If you leave airline one for airline two you just helped the entire pilot group. The more management sees that we have options the better the starting pay will be for all.

sweetholyjesus

Go to Delta if you ask ATC how the rides are every 5 minutes.

Good problem to have. At least at United the smallest airplane you would fly is the 319. E190/717/MD80 await at AA and Delta.

Lunch Box

Best advice I've seen in a while...

Skyone

My two cents. Ask yourself, which airline has the better fleet plan that makes some sense? United. Which airline has the most up to date fleet and orders, as of today? United. Which airline will have the most retirements over the next five years or so? I think United. Why is that important? IMHO, it's not how fast you move up the ladder, it's how many bodies are behind you on the seniority list. Take a good look at the international flying, and which airline seems not to be reducing that segment of the operation. That's the CAREER choice to be made. Then weigh the lifestyle aspects, because how the career goes will affect the lifestyle.

Maybe I'm wrong in some of my assessments, but having been in this industry for 36+ years, I believe you need to evaluate the business plan first. Was told by everyone when hired, that don't worry about retirement, DAL will take care of you and your family for ever. How did that work out? Look at the long term, not the next five years.

full of luv

What do you have against the US Navy?

Double Breasted, Hat wearing mofos....

full of luv

US Air used to have that back in the late 90's as well....

full of luv

What does UAL wear to training, cutoff shorts and harley shirts? Delta just requires pants and a collard shirt.

How "informal" can you be in a cockpit, does everybody just wear gym shorts and surf the web inflight? Not sure about these arguments.

Lastly, I think you have misread Delta strategy. They have actually lost Billions over the last few years on worthless fuel hedges when oil came down and stayed down. AA hasn't hedged a bit, I'd say that AA called oil pretty darn spot on for the last few years, but they have instead spent mightily on new metal. Delta could have easily replaced it's 88 fleet with just one years hedge losses.

They operate the 88 and 717 generally because mgmt seems to have taken a page out of the SWA playbook and tried to take a more conservative approach to capital expenditures then the competition, hence the debt being much reduced since the merger. A lot of companies have been on a spending spree due to cheap financing and stronger demand.

I hope it works out for everyone.

Glenntilton

I'd say Delta, but that is because I work for Yoonited.