Dear community,

I understand if you groan at the mention of UAL vs. AAL once again, but this time, I'm specifically reaching out to pilots who've transitioned between these two companies.

I acknowledge that each person has unique preferences, needs, and weighs pros and cons differently. If you're eyeing Phoenix or Charlotte, American might be your best bet. Need a quick jump to the left seat with over 1,000 hours 121? United could be your go-to. For domestic commuting, AAL might offer the edge, where securing a jump seat and check-in time matter more than seniority. If international commutes or advancing to widebody FO rank quickly are your priorities, United might be the answer. Probably.

Yes, there's much more to consider, I understand. What I'm curious about is this: Did any of you regret switching from one airline to the other?

What assumptions about the grass being greener on the other side turned out false? Which aspects—be it procedures, benefits, or cultural elements—did you find displeasing after switching to what seemed like a better fit, causing you to miss your former employer? Especially in case ls where one left AAL for UAL?

Both companies offer enticing packages, lucrative career paths, and opportunities within training, flight ops, and the union.

Personally, I have nothing negative to say about either. But do any of you ever think: "Darn, I should've stuck with [company X]. If only I'd known ____________ [fill in the blank], I'd never have left."

Currently, I'm in the situation of recently having completed OE with AAL (my initial "Plan B") and facing an upcoming class date with my original "Plan A" company, United. While I enjoy my time at AAL, easier international commuting with United and the Star Alliance network (including Business Standby via MyID Travel, unavailable at AAL) beckons due to my family connections in another country.

Friends at AAL advise me to stay, citing valid points, while those at United urge me to join. However, their perspectives are limited to their respective companies, sometimes lacking understanding of their own union contracts and only possessing surface knowledge about the other.

Thanks for any insights!