Originally Posted by
Milton99
Hey guys just got the interview invite for DAL. I'm in the middle of IOE at AA at the moment. Just trying to figure out what path is best. Live in PIT so I will be a commuter either way. I'm grateful to have a potential choice of the two. I just left fedex and I am 36. I will end at AA around 1600 which is great seniority progression. I've used the widget seniority app a bit and it looks like its a significant hit at DAL (end around 3500ish) also with less movement in the near future (There's already 550 behind me at AA). I'm just trying to see what life is like as someone who is fairly junior at DAL vs more seniority at AA. I know DAL is a much better run company and the pay in the seat will probably be a bit better, especially with the profit sharing checks. I'm not a money chaser im more interested in QOL and time at home with my wife and kids. I know I don't have a job yet and just an invite but I want to be prepared to make the decision when and if I get the offer because I know things will move fast. Thanks in advance for any and all advice. Cheers
Being QOL driven I would recommend a couple things to weigh into your decision process.
I would look at reserve rules. You’re a 4hr drive to DTW and DCA from PIT. Does DAL standard long call with short call conversion and ability to green slip work better than AAs dedicated short call and long call lines?
Seniority #s aren’t all equal career expectation wise. Does 1500 at DCA or PHL at AA get you anything that 3500 in DTW at DAL can ‘t? IIRC anything outside the top 1000 at AA precludes Group IV Captain and DCA is narrow body only. Can you be a wide body CA at DAL in DTW before 3500? Financially ones a smoke show, the other is a dumpster fire. This job is 80% the same when you drive to work but there’s a gigantic difference between $12million and 1.5billion in profit so far in 2025 DAL made 125x profit AA did in the same period of time.
Airlines take a long time to change. If AA decided they want to compete with Delta tomorrow, it’ll take half your career for the ship to get rightened and to start showing meaningful gains. There will probably be a recession during that time. You have to decide if your seniority climb at AA is enough to survive deeper cuts due to poor financial position than a slower climb at a financially stronger DAL.
These are all questions to ponder and research while you prep for your DAL interview. I highly recommend you take the interview and make your final decision after you receive a class date.