Originally Posted by
UnprotectdPilot
Say one is a junior Spirit pilot (3 or less years on property), mid-30s, lives in base for both NK and UA — what are the pros and cons for leaving for United? The money favors United, but I’m more interested in QOL. Yes, Spirit has great work rules — but United’s aren’t bad. More importantly, the seniority movement at United seems more promising over a 30 year career with the large amount of United retirements. What should I be considering or what would you do if you are in my shoes?
Leave and never look back. If you’re less than 3 years here, you’re an FO. You may upgrade soon, but you’ll be a junior captain for a while, so you better enjoy being on reserve. You can hold wide body fairly quickly at United which is comparable to our captain pay, but you’ll likely have to commute to EWR or SFO. I’m assuming you’re ORD based as that is the only base we share. I know ORD is slow progression at United, but with the retirements, it shouldn’t be too bad.