Originally Posted by TallFlyer

I believe it was sometime last year that the then BOS APA reps put out a blast all but promising a 320 base in BOS subject to ratification of a new contract. Take all of that with a grain of salt, but I suspect that's probably more true than not.

Agree with the "blowing smoke" comment above, but at the same time am willing to eat those words if proven wrong.

Originally Posted by AD200100

I received CJO from both AA and DL and worry about making the right bet.
AA has a very small base at BOS (200 pilots out of 15,000+), and rumors of closing the base.
DL holds half the airport and has rumors of opening a base at BOS.
Those rumors can go on for years and can become reality tomorrow - Either way, I'll make a bet here.

My question is if I live at BOS and go to AA, will it be worth it - Once I upgrade I'll probably commute to LGA until I can hold BOS again.
Heard it's 15 years as of today...
What's the most junior CA at BOS?

Originally Posted by UtahGetMe2

FWIW, I faced the same exact decision recently. After several months of talking to pilots at each company, I decided to go to AA. It was an agonizing decision, and I'll most likely have lingering doubts/uneasiness about it for a long time.

What it ultimately came down to is the bird-in-hand. Getting BOS is my top priority, so I eventually had to snap out of the allure of the mighty widget and choose the company that I know, ...today...., can actually get me there. 7 new hires at AA got BOS in May straight out of indoc. Not bad.

A surprising number of DL pilots actually helped solidify my decision. Numerous guys advised me that the DL BOS base rumor has been a rumor for many years and that although it might happen, it also might not, and to be prepared to commute to NYC for my career. And even if DL BOS does happen, there are many questions about how senior it will go, and how long it would take to get A-320 training (my SSAN is terrible -- starts with a 0. Based on recent drops, I would have got a 737, or possibly 220 or 717).

My kids are still young and my priority is to avoid a commute. Once they're older and/or off to college, I can assess if I want to commute to NYC for quicker upgrade, WB flying, or better relative seniority. ....Or possibly stay in BOS forever, who knows? It's currently senior on the CA side, but the CA list is OLD and the upgrade time will continue to drop drastically over the next 5 years.

I met AA's new BOS Chief Pilot a couple weeks ago. I asked about the future of the base and his overall comment was "stable and status quo for the foreseeable future." It sounds like there's so much hiring and movement right now that the training burden would be too high to open (or close) a category. **Which is the same reason (among a couple others) DL is citing for not opening a BOS base yet.

Also, I'll add that the only place I've read anything about BOS closing is on chat forums and/or social media. Seems like conjecture. The "BOS might close" rumor seems to be based solely on the fact that the 73 BOS base is small. But I haven't heard anything from the company along those lines. In fact, the only rumors I've heard through company channels regarding BOS are about growth/expansion (via 320's, XLRs, etc).

Good luck with your decision. It's a tough one. My only regret is not looking into B6. I was told by several peers that B6 is a "stepping-stone LCC" and not a "destination airline." So I didn't even apply. I think I still would have picked AA for several reasons, but I regret not at least looking into B6 and seeing what they had to offer. If BOS is truly a top priority for you, my advice is to apply to airlines with a BOS base -- i.e. AA and B6, .....and DL only if/when they open one.

Cheers

Originally Posted by DrSmacFum

very curious why JetBlue isnt on the table for you

Originally Posted by nuball5

Maybe throw your app in at JetBlue and see what happens if BOS is a high priority for you. I don’t know much about the AA Boston base but at JetBlue I only fly day turns and I’m home every night. If that’s not what you want, there’s plenty of variety as well.

Originally Posted by aroundthepatch

As a new FO at BOS, how long is everyone seeing to hold a line? I live up in the northeast and could drive to BOS fairly easy. Looks like commuting to LGA is kind of difficult. Thanks for any information!

Originally Posted by aroundthepatch

As a new FO at BOS, how long is everyone seeing to hold a line? I live up in the northeast and could drive to BOS fairly easy. Looks like commuting to LGA is kind of difficult. Thanks for any information!

Originally Posted by MagnusEffect

Any estimate how long it could take to hold 737 Capt in BOS ? Or would commuting to NYC have better QOL holding a line sooner ?

Originally Posted by AllYourBaseAreB

currently sitting at 6 years. Will probably drop dramatically. Small base. 737 only. Not great trips I hear. Average age 58. Many mass/NH/RI people commute to NY for the better flying and seniority. Yes, NY is a way better base for QOL if you are willing to commute and want to upgrade asap