Originally Posted by GoCats67

To put this effect in perspective at UA.

I am at 48% as a 767 Cap in ORD. There are 68 787 FOs senior to me in ORD. If all of those FOs that are senior to me had wanted to fly as 756 CAP and bid it when they could have, I would not be able to hold 767 Captain in ORD at all.

The pilot that is at 48% on 737 Cap in ORD has 182 787 FOs senior to him in ORD. If all of those FOs had bid 737 Cap, then the 48% guy would sit at 87% on the ORD 737 Cap list. So, because of the WB effect, instead of being deep reserve they are a solid line holder!

Having a variety of aircraft to choose from allows everybody to choose what works best for them and makes everybody on the seniority list happier quicker. One pilot's trash is another pilot's treasure!

There will always be pilots that choose to stay senior to enhance their QOL, but with the WB option this dramatically enhances the effect as the delta in pay difference becomes a much smaller issue when comparing 787/777 FO pay to NB Captain. Frankly in Dollars/day worked the WB can crush the narrowbody, which is why so many get on it and then never leave. The 28 hour 3 day is tough to beat as it makes it so easy to avoid work conflicts with living your life away from work.

So, just because you don't want to do it (or at least don't think you do) don't discount the value it has on seniority progression on the seat you do want.