Originally Posted by
Hangar 1234
If I could do it over, I would have bid 737. It was probably fine to bid 320 when the classes were steady the last few years up until last summer, but now that the classes are more intermittent, 737 new hires definitely have a better QOL in most bases. I have been waiting a year for DFW, could have got it right out of training in the 737. Whenever I compare my schedule to 737 classmates or even junior pilots, it's always a gut punch. Another factor is more senior 737 guys bidding over to the 320 slowing progression even more.
Disclaimer: Typed on both, and while I enjoy certain things about both airframes, they’re effectively a job and IDGAS about what I’m flying on balance. Balance is of course the key, and seniority in seat is my number one discriminator.
I fully acknowledge that the 737 is the junior airframe system wide. That being said, the logic gets flipped on its head in ORD. I’d be 70% in the 737 and I’m now (just this month, before it was ~equal) 40% in the 320. The 737 is both the incumbent and the far larger status. I’m sure it has better things going on for it from a schedule standpoint. All that being said, I’m glad I got stuck on the bus in my particular case. I had an entitlement for ORD 737 FO I while waiting for my seat lock to expire. Happy it didn’t work out before they announced the 320, despite the challenges that come with a small status.