Which major [airline] require[s] [a] degree?
 

One of our senior captains was furious when he applied to a major and was immediately rejected because he did not have a degree. I was just wondering which of the major airlines require a degree today and if folks think this will remain a requirement.

There are a ton of senior captains on our list without a degree. I was also wondering "if the hiring really picks up" do ya'll think they will drop the degree requirement first or the PIC requirement first?

Thoughts???

Alaska is one. Yes, it will most likely remain a requirement. The only way the degree requirement may be removed is if major airlines ever start hurting for warm bodies, which may be never.

If you want a top tier career job, get your degree! They won't look at you without it.

Alaska definitely. I applied there with a 4 yr(graduated dean's list), check airman 121, 3000+ hrs 121 PIC and never even got a call. First place to call was America West. No 4 yr required, but everyone in my 04' new hire class had one and 1000+ PIC too. Like he said, get the degree.

In this job market, you'll need lots of experience and a degree to get hired at a major. It's supply and demand for sure, and right now the demand is low and supply is deep.

Still, sometimes you can't make heads or tails of airline hiring. The year I got hired (and I maintain I was the LCD), I heard stories of guys with space shuttle missions, along with other high profile positions being rejected at my company. Truth is, there isn't any such thing as a sure thing.

I'd rather be lucky than good any day.

To the original poster, which airline told a guy why they weren't hired? That story is a little suspicious.

can't believe this question is even asked anymore....

:confused:

All of the legacies I think

FDX/UPS

SWA requires just a 2 year, but you probably need to be highly qualified (ie family connections, etc)

Even at those who don't require a degree, you will be handicapping yourself to some degree since most of the applicants will have a degree.

A senior CA at SKW (unless he was very young) could probably not financially justify a move to say Allegiant.

You are wrong.

Not true. I know a couple of guys (in the past 6 yrs) that were hired at SWA without a degree. It is possible but not having a degree puts you at a huge disadvantage.

With family connections anything goes. I know of a guy that got hiring at Alaska with multiple DUIs, dad was a respected check airman. I believe he did have the required turbine 121 PIC and 4 yr though.