FlyyGuyy

Don't forget about the other big items like 401k contribution. I'm just starting my fourth year here and I can now hold a decent line 14 days off in Charlotte.

I'm certain those times will decrease as we hire more and retire more.

When I left PSA for American I was in the top 10% in base. My schedules were awesome. For me it was worth the change of scenery.

But I'm not 50.

Otterbox

Most people still seem to get to United from meeting them at a job fair/meet and greet. If you’re not doing that you’re not breaking out from the crowd.

To the OP, tAAke the AA class date. I know a 20 year Express Jet pilot who thought he was at his career airline and now is at his 3rd in 2 years after Express Jet shut down. Is the same future in store for Skywest? I don’t know but it’s probably more likely to shutdown than AA is.

J3nkums

I've been at AA since 2018 and other than the standard complaints of contract and management (which both need an overhaul) I've really enjoyed my time here. The guys and gals I've flown with have been great despite what you hear about the "terrible" culture, great bases imo, senority movement is nuts, and you'd be probably able to upgrade with a few years assuming no black swan events or have a great QOL quick off the bat as a FO. I think the contract will have to change with added pressure from Delta and UAL having a AIP. If not AA will become a training ground for those airlines and I think that will pressure management. My father was UAL it wasn't always great over there, everything in this industry is cyclic. No one has a crystal ball. Worst case you decide you don't like it you can always bail to one of the other majors... its a pilots market for the time being.

LeadFoot

Great point. AA is not going anywhere.

AllYourBaseAreB

AA retires 9144 between now and YE 2036. We have about 14400 pilots. Almost 2000 aren’t even bidding positions right now for various reasons. So everything remaining as it is today his bidding seniority would be somewhere between 36-26% or better at retirement.

LeadFoot

Almost 2000 is astounding. Is it mostly medical leave?

AllYourBaseAreB

Over 600 medical, almost 500 CKA, almost 300 military, 250 Early retirees still on the list, 75+ management, and various other leaves

OpMidClimax

Well I've been here just less than a year..

1. Have been able to build lines that are 18 days off with 83 to 85 hours. Preface, I live in a very Jr base on a plane no one seems to want. I rarely fly redeyes and fly mostly non commuteble high credit trips. I like to have weekdays off.

2. My 401k balance is growing much much quicker, even at first year pay.

3. CP office is vastly improved over last employer.

4. Movement is crazy fast and the base options, aircraft and seat positions available should keep me from being bored the next 20ish years.

5. Overnights, better than my last job mostly. Some stinkers in the system.

6. Captains have been great to work with. I get treated with great respect while mentoring me.

7. I'll have my choice of wb FO our nb CA very very soon.

Not all roses but better than my last place and happy I made the switch.

Hope that helps.

vitamin

It does help. Thanks for the insight. Question tho:

I didn't think AA put anything towards the 401k in year one? How is your 401(k) growing ... your personal contributions?

ImSoSuss

Even though you will lose your ability to pick your schedule you will enjoy being at work a lot more. When compared to a Regional, at AA you will be working less legs a day and have longer overnights in better cities and hotels (for the most part). For planning purposes you won't see second year pay until your 15th or 16th month after hire date. There are some weird non-industry standard stuff here at AA but not enough to turn it down over a Regional.