SWA TO UPS?

I know it might sound crazy but I'm considering quitting Southwest and going to UPS. This assumes I could get an interview and get hired at UPS which I understand is no small feat.

The reason I'm considering leaving is that I'm tired of TSA, rude pax, commuting, and flying 800+ hours a year with 25 minute turns. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT bashing SWA, I just don't think I can do this type of flying for another 30 years. If I'm going to make a move it's better sooner rather than later. I've seen the lines and trips at UPS and the flying there is much more casual than at SWA.

I would love to hear some educated opinions on this matter from other major airline pax guys and cargo guys. I'm also looking for details about working for UPS. The more details the better. I'm looking for some well thought out advice. Please, no hurling tomatos from the cheap seats. Thanks.

paidtowait

Do not do it.

You will never work for a better Company than SWA.

With 6 years you are vested in an organization that is second to none in this industry.
UPS is great, Fed Ex is great and so is SWA and you are ahead of the game at your age.
So stick with it, Upgrade to Capt. and life is good man . Really.

Later

Freightpuppy

A little arrogant to say don't you think?

It's the best company according to who? You?
I think UPS and FedEx are better companies. It all depends on what you judge a company by.

FX Bone Guy

The grass is always greener on the other side. But, it's pretty green right now on this side, looking from this side too. But the key word is "NOW". Who knows what the future holds?

I'm purple (feel like silver), not brown but I wouldn't suggest it. Try some obscure management job, safety, research, tech pilot, test pilot, or something within SWA - as long as you know you can get back to the line later.

UPSFO4LIFE

I am brown and all I can say is do what you think is right. I would however, not give up that seniority. UPS has its own issues, like any other major company. You may not fly as hard at UPS, but the night stuff will take its toll on your body. Also, UPS just opened an ANC base for the 11 and 74. Good chance newhires will be sent up there, so that is also something you need to think about. Good luck.

Airbum

I would suspect you would be dissapointed with your move if you did.

It appears that much of our future growth will be in ANC. Are you sure your family would enjoy the lifestyle? Our new TA will slow captain upgrades as IROs will all be f/os and even heavy crewing with only one captain.

Yes the trips on paper look much easier then your type of flying. I remember my friend chiding me about how great his line was going to be and that I had gone soft since my 6-7 leg days flying pax. I mean two legs a night how hard can it be? he said. He flew one week of it, called in fatigued. Said friend quite after a few years.

My iro last month was on a 29 day trip...... that is correct 29 days (no typo)
away from domicile. If our TA passes also expect multi leg duty days up to 19:45 hrs with a single captain, this of course does not count the drive to airport and customs.

With that said , I flew regularly with a great bunch of guys, the professionalism of the line slugs is impressive with backgrounds from every corner of aviation. It still feels fun to take off for a distant country. My free advice is find a new hobby! and jump into that for a change.

paidtowait

Thats good for you. Really.

But, I have been misunderstood, and that’s ok. Just the nature of this kind of communication.
So my point in other words is that FedEx, UPS and SWA are all equally great airlines, and if you were vested (have Sonority) at anyone of these I would not recommend such a move.

fdx727pilot

Supposedly, we just had one of the SWA guys turn down a class date, because the class was going to MDs in ANC.

SWA TO UPS?

On paper and talking with friends UPS seems like a great gig, not to mention the business model of cargo is so superior to the pax business model. I've heard very few complaints from UPS pilots. SWA is a great gig too but like I said, they fly us hard and dealing with pax sucks. We fly 7+30 nearly every day of every trip and Gary (our CEO) says we need to be more productive!? A 15 leg 3 day with 22 hours of block is killing me and I'm in my 30's. Additionally, maybe it's the type of people we fly, but the stupid comments every day get old. These are the main gripes and the reasons I'm considering the switch. Whether these gripes justify such a dramatic career change is the tough question. Hence this post.

Thanks to all for the input. I appreciate your respectful comments. Keep them coming. It does help.

MD11Fr8Dog

I think it was more like J.L. booted him from the pool.