Here is the mandatory retirements on AA, courtesy of Sliceback. He does a great job of quick, accurate, clear analysis for AA. (G4 CA is Group 4 pay rates, the wide body Captain slots.). Have not seen (or maybe have forgotten) a similar analysis for UA.
Down the road, need to consider wide body flying out of which airports; when you get to that point, would you have to commute? How much of a QOL impact is that if you are flying across either pond one round trip a week or so?
Remember who is in the lead for QOL today is only good to the next contract. Over a career, it will be a horse race. The lead will change several times. Pilots will have a stronger hand than in the past when it comes time to open the contracts. Welcome for others to weigh in on current specifics.
Sliceback:
Just added up retirements for 10, 15, and 20 yrs. All data - nearest 100.
10 yrs - 8,200
15 yrs - 11, 100
20 yrs - 12,800
Latest seniority list shows 14,500 on property. So estimated seniority number for someone hired today -
10 yrs - 6,300
15 yrs - 3,400
20 yrs - 1,700
Roughly 18 yrs to junior G4 CA.