I'm finding most of the WBFO I fly with that are 2021-2024 hires are mostly in their 40s and 50s. Former military retirees, people that spent 10+ years at a regional, people that left other Majors, and not just Spirit and Frontier. This idea that all the 2021-2024 hires were "in their 20s" is ridiculous. Yes I've flown with some mid 20s, and they will have an amazing career. But we will have over 220 787s by 2032 and with the 400-700 pilots retiring a year for many years there will be plenty of movement.

I think every pilot hired under 40 will most certainly be a WBCA. Far better chance of happening at United than being hired at 40 at any other US airline.