Made the switch. Got in toward the beginning of the wave and rapidly got decent seniority quickly on the guppy. Could have upgraded at AS had I stayed (did not know that when I quit). So, a very significant short term pay cut. Long term: ? Possible quick upgrade at UAL, don’t know yet. WB flying is there, it may or may not be for me but will try once the time is right. Lots of choices and interesting opportunities outside the flight deck to explore as well.
I fly with many Captains who went through a furlough, two, or other austere times at UAL. This industry is unpredictable and anything can happen. Have a backup plan.
The good…
- Reserve better (you get some choice). First class DH. Assigned a trip, for the most part flew it, went home, didn’t get messed with beyond that. I’m sure someone sitting reserve for a while will have other experiences.
- Lineholder life is better. Most trips I didn’t like was able to trade for things I liked better.
- Hotels, meals, transport better.
- The tools, training, support are all top notch.
- Not messed with on my trips (yet) in terms of reassignments or extensions. I’m sure it happens.
- Prem trips 50-100%. Not chasing that until done with first year pay.
- 5 hrs calendar day min
- Life continues to get better with seniority
Not so good:
- you’ll be junior again
- Leaving behind the sick bank, starting over on vacation accrual.
- Don’t expect to show up and work fewer days or be able to drop whatever you want. That unicorn isn’t here. I am former VX… we had a great thing there, it’s gone. They’ll work you here and redeyes are common. Weekends off go senior and you will be unlikely to trade out of working a weekend without giving up time off. I don't like to give up my days off. Days off similar to Alaska with the lucky exceptions of getting a trip bought off for IOE, an occasional drop to another pilot. Wide body lineholder better, but also senior, and another can of worms I am not qualified to discuss yet.
No regrets/can’t look back because to do so would not be healthy! Reach out, get the data on what life is like and the risk of giving up seniority, and make a call.
Its been a good move, so far.