Originally Posted by
RabidW0mbat
Sorry to add on to OP’s thread. But I’m in a similar situation. Live in Chicago, currently with SWA but still on probation. Just got the Hogan from United. I’m huge on not commuting, so 1st question, how long to hold ORD at UA? 2nd, is there an upside to starting over, as in the potential to recoup the lost time by starting over at UA vs SW. I know I do t even have a decision to make until I do, but my magic 8 ball is currently on the fritz.
ORD Captain on the 737 is 1 year (because that’s the minimum at United). Every vacancy bid for the last year has had Captain vacancies in ORD. United has 200 787s on order, 450 more 737 MAX and 150 A-321s. One of every 5 Boeing planes coming off the assembly line for the next 8 years are coming to United.
You will have 10,000 pilots junior to you at United in 4 more years plus 5,000 retirements in the next decade. That’s pretty good furlough protection.
You have a LOT of choices living in ORD for United. You have one choice at SWA. Fly the 737 as an FO until you can upgrade in 8-10 years.