I think it’s really splitting hairs talking about retirements, fleet composition and international flying. The thing that matters most is living in base, and if you can’t do that, ease of commute.

Once you’re on 3 year FO pay (at any of the big 3) you’re crushing it pay wise, have some scheduling flexibility, and can write your own ticket deciding whether to be senior in seat, upgrade ASAP, or go WB FO.

As far as private sector jobs, legacy airline pilot really can’t be beat. I shudder thinking of the grind that you have to live through to make what a legacy airline pilot makes as an accountant, lawyer, doctor etc.

Enjoy, and appreciate the good old days which we’re in now. Guys were locked out of any legacy airline job for 15 straight years after 9/11, and the guys on the seniority list were making peanuts compared to what we have now.