Originally Posted by
C340
Family, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, mountains, ocean, rivers, lakes, forests, all on the west coast... I sure do
I've been flying corporate all over the US since 2019 and in my opinion, nowhere beats Central Oregon. I'm relocating to Portland for awhile, but plan to head back over the hills at some point.
As far as commuting goes, what you're saying is kind of my thought as well. But I would love to hear if there are other things that I am too ignorant to be aware of. This would be my first time flying 121.
the scenery in the PNW is great. But I was born and raised here things have changed a lot. Lived all over the US and each state and region offers something the others can’t. Regardless of my opinion that should have zero bearing on where you want to reside.
let me actually bring some useful information.
The PROS of going to Alaska: drive to work, company is cemented in the PNW/west coast and is not going anywhere anytime soon. Historically the airline has furloughed less than the big 3 (percentage of pilot group and length of time), the airline does not struggle profiting and has continually made decent financial decisions, high attrition (double edged sword obviously) for fast seniority movement.
The CONS of going to Alaska: very little growth. The companies idea of growth is increasing route frequency and increasing ASM not a larger fleet and more pilots. The 73 isn’t glamorous, spacious, or quiet and it’s the only option you got. Obviously now WB so pay potential and schedule are limited to a NB, still behind where we need to be contractually. The contract made good strides but the we still must continue to battle for industry leading NB rates if we want to retain pilots, very little retirements with a young to middle aged pilot group. Once the dust settles the movement will be incredibly slow.
PROS of UAL: WB, growing company with growing fleet, bases, and rapid seniority movement allowing you to find the type of flying you enjoy and a schedule to match. Contract is going to be juicy and on par with Delta leaving us in the dust in compensation, DC, health benefits, commuting policy, etc. more days at home on a commutable schedule with the option of WB, too big to fail. While that doesn’t mean you’re safe from furlough the US government has shown that the big players in the airline game are just too big to allow to crumble this United will always be financially backed when it comes to tough times. Something that Alaska almost likely won’t benefit from.
CONS of UAL: the reserve rules and system is in the running for worst in the industry. There’s a reason the WB’s to junior and it’s because of their gut wrenching reserve rules. Meanwhile at DAL reserve goes senior and is sawed after (imagine proper staffing levels. A fairytale I know). While you’re at the bottom of the list the company has zero issues cutting you loose and letting you enjoy furlough vacation for years (benefits of always being short staffed on a lean operation. +1 AS), bases are not desirable out west especially from a living stand point but also a commuting standpoint. SFO, LAX, and even DEN would be tough commutes at times and undoubtedly will lose days off commuting to front and back end of trips. That’s if you’re lucky and get one of those three out of training on a junior airframe. Imagine commuting to EWR to sit reserve on the 756 fleet.
while I’m sure there’s much more I’ve missed I hope some of this information is actually helpful in some way. It’s your decision to make. Good luck.