Originally Posted by
BAe3100FO
Notice most of the responses to “why leave FedEx” are usually “ I get first class deadheads and will be a 1k at some point”. NOT THAT THE FLYING I ACTUALLY DO SUCKS AND ITS KILLING MY BODY AND WREAKING MY FAMILY LIFE”. That is all…. You’re welcome!
Alright, I’ll bite. To the OP, no matter which way you choose, I think you’ll have a great career.
1. QOL: impossible to predict which one wins out. Family life changes and evolves throughout ones career. Either the family makes changes to suit the job or the pilot makes changes/sacrifices to suit the family. If you desire a training job then it’s MEM or DEN. I know which city I would rather live in and I know that I would never want to commute to a training job BUT that’s me. At Purple your bases are MEM, IND, LAX, OAK, ANC, HKG, and CGN. HKG and CGN offer something that no other airline offers but you may have zero interest in that. I have friends who layover at home on every trip because of the unique nature of trip purity but those are becoming less frequent as the schedules are optimized to a changing operation at purple. UAL has a similar base structure minus the international options but you do have a few East coast options (EWR/IAD) that Purple doesn’t offer.
2. Commuting: not even close this goes to Purple.
3. Night flying: do not discount this. It isn’t for everyone. Some (more than a few) simply can’t find a way to make it work. That’s okay. No amount of money is worth it if you don’t find a way to adjust. Keep in mind that international is night flying no matter who you work for. Purple international layovers are generally much longer and if you used properly give ample time for recovery and adventure.
4. I’ve never flown with a Captain that asked me to cook their meal.
5. Vacation: I don’t know about UAL but it’s worth asking, How long does it take to hold vacation in the summer and what does that afford you? Maybe vacation in the summer means nothing to you. It did to me.
6. Yes, I love international DH’s. Getting paid to commute is nice. I also take full advantage of my airline status and enjoy using the miles to travel with the family when we want without any stress. It’s a perk but wouldn’t decide where I work.
7. Travel bennies: if you’re flexible they are nice. No doubt.
8. FA’s/Pax: an issue once a year if that. Never made much issue to me. I do like flying in my pajamas and eating or using the head when I want. Wouldn’t use this to decide a career.
9. single pilot: not anytime soon.
10. two great companies. Congratulations, a great problem to have.