The 16% is a negotiated part of the pilot’s pay (not “on top” or in addition to your pay) kind of a forced savings plan for retirement. I mention this because some may think of it as a gift from the company because of the goodness of the management.

My best advice is if you want to make the leap to United or any other major do it. If you get hired then pick a base and move as close to it as you can stand because commuting isn’t the most ideal way to live.

No matter where you end up working the front end of an airplane is far better than an office cubical.