Originally Posted by
SoCal Xfer
Just got hired by big d a few weeks ago and expecting indoc in Feb. Probably the happiest dude on earth, next to the other 966 who have won the career lotto in 2014.
Questions for the experienced masses:
I live 45 minutes from DTW, so I'm hoping to select an aircraft that I can hold a line on in DTW quickly. My last 4 SSN is pretty high, so I think I'll have my pick. What aircraft will get me a line number quickest in DTW? Can I hold a 73N / 320 / ER line within the first year? Is there something to be said for snagging a 73N spot and commuting to NYC to hold a decent line earlier?
Which plane is fastest to a line for DTW in the future is anyone's guess, but 737 and 717 look the most likely. Both are growing, but argueably the 717 isn't growing in DTW. However it is the junior equipment, so it will likely see more attrition and that provides the same effect. If you live fairly close to the airport, I'd strongly recommend bidding anything that can get you into DTW on your initial bid and avoiding having to commute.
NYC does usually allow you to buff your relative seniority, but rarely enough to compensate for the time cost hassle and stress of commuting. Life is way simpler and better with a short drive to work than commuting on probation to a 3 airport operation that falls apart whenever there is weather going on anywhere in the galaxy.