What are the pros and cons of flying for American versus an ACMI? Kinda looking for a DFW base perspective.

 

Pros: Less fatiguing trips shorter trips (less time zone swaps/ round the world tours), more money, better retirement, less of a clown show operation than an ACMI, people recognize the American name.

Cons: Traditional airline commuting, don’t get to keep points/mileage, people you know recognize the American name and 1) complain about your company to you 2) call for discounts/buddy passes, can still be a clown show,

 

Here's a whole thread on it:

https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/american/141347-acmi-vs-american.html

 

I read the other thread but after a couple of ACMI comments, it derailed fast as usual
So maybe I get one or two good opinions/angles before we start with the measuring contest.
40 years old, single, no kids, live in Colorado but willing to move for the right reason. I fly 74 at the “good” ACMI and I really like the job and lifestyle, I do, but can’t deny other CBAs out there offer more.
Being extremely low time like I am (2,100h), I somehow got beyond lucky and got a AA interview in a couple of weeks, no degree no events attended.
Dilemma is huge. I know this type of movement won’t happen again, and even tho I prefer cargo, opportunity is unique. Decision is mine obviously but…..should I go to a job I’d technically enjoy less (passenger ops/if I got a CJO) but with a better contract, or stay out doing a job I enjoy more but make a lot less long term.

Give me 2 comments before you start fighting please

 

If you like the job and are home based I would stay. We have a good commuter clause but nothing beats not commuting

 

If I made the decision, I would move to whatever base I chose. Commuting is a big no for sure

 

Plan on staying in Colorado, and thus commuting?

My interaction with pax is pretty much non-existent. If there are issues, there are employees trained on how to handle them and we let them do so. That said, I guess it’s like cargo in a way- you know how you can’t find anyone at FedEx/UPS who will admit to doing night hub turns, despite it being such a massive portion of their flying? You won’t find too many legacy pilots who interact with pax either…

 

Have you ever actually flown pax ops? It might not be as bad as you think.

I would go to American and move to your base.

 

Your pay right now is on par with AA narrow body including Captain pay.
You’ll have to make a couple of assumptions, “worst case” scenario being you’re stuck on narrow body at min guarantee.

You’re currently about 3 years from upgrade yes? I’d suggest you make a hard goal and see which one gets you there first.
For instance retire from full time flying at 55-57 either because you want to or because you have to.
That gives you 15 years from now.
Upgrade at AA and 10 years as Captain
Upgrade at ACMI and 12 years as Captain.
Which number is bigger and how much does that mean to you?
Your current ACMI is 3.5 years from contract negotiations and they may drag it out again for another 5-6 years.
What’s the latest on a new AA contract?

 

Congratulations on being called by AA. Everyone’s decision of happiness varies so the decision is only yours to make. Ive met pilots leave legacies to go to cargo and I also know a few at AA who left FedEx and UPS to fly pax. Money is not everything in life you wont be missing any meals at any of the major airlines. I would recommend you go jumpseat on AA a few times and ask questions see how happy the crews are. Good luck with your decision you’ve wont either way