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?
I left NK for UAL. I was a 2 year FO at NK. Was in my late 20s when hired. NK was a great place to be overall. I really don't have bad things to say about it. I will miss some of the things they had that we don't at UAL. That being said, it's not nearly as bad as people at NK make it out to be in terms of QOL items. I live in an NK base actually, but plan on moving to a UA base. Despite wanting to live where I want, the seniority progression at UAL was better than it would have been at NK. If I upgraded I was going to remain a junior CA for a very long time. I wouldn't have broken the top 1000 pilots until my mid 50s after being hired in my mid 20s at NK. All of that is predicated on growth too. If anything at all were to happen to NK it would only prolong my relative seniority growth. I obviously was in a better spot for the next few years had I stayed at NK but the last 55sh% of my career at UAL will be far better at UAL. 1000 / 7000 or maybe 8000 pilots vs sub 1000/14000 is a massive difference.