I live in DEN as a WN CA, bid rsv and have worked 4 days in the last month (not counting unused rsv days). Pickups on days off go above guarantee. I worked 5 rsv days and picked up 2 2 days on days off last month for 9 days of wearing a tie. Credited 150 on 39 hrs block. Is UAL that flexible? How easy is it to turn 1 week of VA into 3 weeks off? Can you completely rearrange your schedule with open time/pilot trades with ease?

UAL has the ability to work in the TK and aren’t limited to being a FO while doing it anymore. Also have fleet choices which allows your seniority to be artificially better compared to single fleet.

I gave up a UAL interview 10 yrs ago because DEN was THE senior base (took 3/4 years to hold it as the FO plug) and the company was getting rid of the WB/757 base. Then COVID happened and it became jr with NH being offered CA spots.

You never know when you’ll get a “street CA” slot or be furloughed a week in….I’m not saying furloughs couldn’t happen at WN…just that any jump is a gamble. With 35 yrs in, it might be worth it if WB is what you want. I wouldn’t give up seniority and take a several year paycut for it (WB itch died when I had kids) but different strokes for different folks.

If the OP never intended to stay, 35 yrs is a long time to stew over what could’ve been….