Hello All,

I’ve received CJOs from both American and Delta and currently reside in Reno. I’m looking at the LAX base for both airlines right now as a forever commuter since my family has developed strong roots where we live now.

Trying to be objective as far as I can tell the commute is not horrible for either carrier.

AA pros:
Seniority advancement
Better Commuter Policy

AA cons:
less sick accrual
less vacation accrual
less widebodies right now


DL pros:
LAX 757/767 Captain in less than 3 years
Currently the biggest airline in LAX
Sick and vacation accrual

DL cons:
MUCH slower seniority progression
probably won’t make it to the left seat on a wide body bigger than the 767


Looking at the seniority progression it takes me half the time at AA to reach 50%. It will take me approximately 10 years to reach 50% seniority. At delta it will take me just over 20 years.


My priorities:
1. Time off with family
2. Widebody QOL and flying
3. earning potential


I have 32 years left in my career currently.


Would love to hear some opinions if possible what others would think about in my position. I feel blessed and am torn with what will be the biggest decision for me and my family. On paper I believe DL is better financially with the ability to roll thunder once I gain some seniority. But the seniority progression at AA can’t be matched by anyone especially Delta who’ve hired thousands of pilots that I will probably never have the opportunity to surpass.

 

If the base were NYC I'd say the answer is more complicated, but since you're talking LAX you'd be nuts to not go to Delta.

AA's LAX base is really struggling, and all the overall seniority in the world doesn't matter if the seniority in your seat sucks. There's a reason why I fly with a lot of guys in NYC that live in Phoenix.

 

Does AA not have any plans to become the powerhouse again in LAX?

 

I'm sure they've love to, but it's a big unknown. I will say that I *enjoy* my job at AA and talk about how miserable things are overblown, but I think from a purely numbers perspective Delta is a much better play. And their SLC base might be something to look into as well.

 

Thank you I really appreciate the honest feedback.

 

first - you will not reach 50% at AA in 5 years. I have no idea where that number comes from without massive growth.

AA LAX is artificially reduced right now due to construction of the terminal and a lack of rebound in Asia flying.

big problem with west coast flying is it is dominated by our codeshare partner, Alaska. Also you better like redeyes….

 

Yeah, I am a February hire and I won't hit 50% until mid 2032.

 

They said 50% in 10 years at AA and 20 years at DL, which is accurate. Every airline with LAX is mostly red eyes.

OP have you considered SLC for Delta and PHX for American?

 

Or even SEA for Delta?

 

Delta does NOT accrue vacation faster than AA. Year 1-5 at AA is 3 weeks/year. Might want to check the Delta’s numbers again. I think they get their week 4 and 5 sooner, but that doesn’t negate the first 5 years.