Originally Posted by
Fly4FunAA
The problem is, I don’t know if it’s that important to me. WB flying would be cool and I would love to have the options, but if worst case scenario I jump to United and things change in the industry and I get stuck as a 737 FO [furloughee] for a while…that’s what I’m debating. Versus I’m Year 3 potentially Year 4 at SWA as a 73 FO.
if I can go to United and potentially upgrade to CA quick or get to WB FO in the next 2yrs I don’t think it becomes much of an issue. The issue is if I go and that stuff doesn’t become possible anymore. I think if they can get me in next spring it’s still viable, but if it’s late summer or fall…then I probably should reconsider. Thoughts?
Originally Posted by
Fly4FunAA
The hard part about leaving SWA would be giving up the lifestyle. Right now I’m getting 17 days off a month and averaging 120-140 credit a month. Because of our new contract, we are able to make so much money. Sure I’ll never fly WB but the quality of life is really good. I’m on track to clear 30k this month as a yr 3 FO….
Your decision involves risk. How much risk are you willing to tolerate? It's tough but that's why you get paid the Big bucks.
I don't mean to be DOOMSDAY like with my correction above, nor do I forecast furloughs with the amount of retirements at UAL....however it is a possibility albeit in my opinion very remote.
I also do not advocate one or the other. That really is a YOU decision.
I'm not sure I totally understand your logic of 4 or 5 months later of a class date makes it a definitive No Go. Sure 4 months of people under you versus above you is huge.....but the differences of a career at SW and UAL remain the same.
I was in a similar situation as you (4.5 years at JB)....I will offer this piece of sobering advice: Giving up that amount of seniority is going to involve several if not many things getting worse before they get better.
Do not expect to see an improvement for a while.
For me, my first year at UAL, generally speaking I had fewer days off, was working more (legs per day), and all for a 48% discount in my labour for doing the same job. (NB FO)
I wasn't expecting it to be better right away....so I am not disappointed. It's the long GAME...remember that.