Originally Posted by
Crom
Soon to be retired AF. The family and I want to move back to TX so SWA and UAL look great to me. I know IAH is senior and I'll be sitting reserve for some time there if I go UAL. I know I can upgrade sooner on NB at UAL, but will have to commute to SFO/LAX/EWR. I believe if I go SWA I could hold DAL within a year, but no upgrade until year 10. I understand SWA has great scheduling flexibility which would allow for more money as an FO; not so much at UAL while on reserve.
I don't mind commuting as a junior captain but only if I can hold a line. I assume the extra days I spend at UAL commuting as a junior captain would equate to the extra days I would work at SWA as an FO trying to pad my paycheck. Does this check? How many years at UAL can a junior captain hold a line at one of the junior bases?
My goal is to put the max amount of money into savings & retirement accounts for the next 20 years while living a comfortable life with some toys. Widebody flying does interest me, but it's not a deal breaker. I'd be happy in a 737 for the next 20 years so that's not a concern. I've seen plenty of overseas flying so that's also not a concern. Just wondering if I'm crazy thinking SWA might be the better option for me given my goals.
No, you’re not crazy. I’m grateful to be at UAL for my reasons. I’m approaching 6 years at UAL and would be middle of the pack Reserve at EWR. Yes a few newer folks are grabbing Capt lately, but they will likely be reserve for a very long time. Most people wait to be able to hold a regular line and they will bid in on top of them holding them on reserve.
You may find that with your AF retirement you’re able to do more than OK on FO pay by the time you hit year 3 pay. The trade off between commuting to Capt vs being senior as an FO (in base) where you can drop/trade/pickup may be worth more than the 4th stripe pay. Schedule flexibility with the ability to pick some months to hustle and work hard and then the next month to scale back is a nice option. I have multiple AF buddies at SWA and all love it. Win-win IMO good luck