Airline Pilot Central Forums - DL v UA (ATL or IAH)?

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- - DL v UA (ATL or IAH)? (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/delta/148317-dl-v-ua-atl-iah.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devildog40 (Post 3839815)

Hey folks,

I’ve seen these forums speak relatively poorly on UA commute policy v DL, but is it negligible?

I’m not sure on the specifics of UA’s commuter policy, but our contractual commuter clause requires you to have 2 flights, 2 hours apart, that 24 hours prior show adequate seating availability. And even if you comply with all those requirements can still lead to progressive discipline if the company seems you using it excessively. I’d hardly call that good.

we have a better “unable to commute” policy in our FOM that gives us PS on our backup if it is on DL. But there is absolutely nothing contractual about that and could go away at any time. Some of our CPOs are already beginning to track pilots who use this clause.

just an FYI.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devildog40 (Post 3839868)

absolutely! Trynna get ahead of it somewhat just to be somewhat prepared. Like an other said, I’m fully aware “culture” & “image” aren’t critical for a career, but was making note that I’m more familiar with & am more comfortable with DL’s “image”. Thank you much for the input

Responding to your hidden declaration of "culture": There are plenty of would be colleagues that are right leaning at United even in SFO and EWR.
If 27M means 27 and male.....I wouldn't be so quick to back yourself into the corner of only ATL and IAH.....but hey at least you gave yourself two cities...way too many clowns your age only list one (Denver) as thier non negotiable residence.

I think like real productive wide body stuff like Asia, South Africa I think ATL will bear more fruit than IAH........but anything less than that there is a lot good flying to be had at United....I certainly wouldn't defer a class date if they called first.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Devildog40 (Post 3839815)

Hey folks,

27M here, starting class with DL very soon but have a CJO with United with a TBD class date.
Also, I’ve read a decent amount of other UA/DL post, but haven’t been any in a minute/wanted to pitch my scenario..
Always liked the Delta brand/image more, tho Im not opposed to UA’s due to their WB presence and seniority wave. Tho I am only open to living in the south, therefore would like to hear ppl’s concerns on ATL v IAH.

ATL: Its a HQ, can be a SIL, never going away, huge network from ATL (great variety), plus delta intl. growth seems hopeful for the 350-1k orders and 330’s.
IAH: Would ideally want to live in AUS (imagine rough or Woodlands, tho IAH seems to be the mistreated stepchild of UA with an extremely poor intl. network, relatively small base, and goes very senior regarding WB positions. Also, less career flexibility in IAH as well.

I’m aware EWR/SFO have great networks and are junior, but I would have to be a commuter my whole life. I’ve seen these forums speak relatively poorly on UA commit policy v DL, but is it negligible? Between IAH & ATL as only-viable bases does that change DL’s disadvantage of being slower seniority climb/less WB?

Hope everyone is well, and thank you for your input, really excited & fortunate, but now stressed to make this decision. I know I’m limiting myself to ATL/IAH but I’m a southerner & want to make the most out of living down here, thankya!

IAH:

Take the DAL class date and then bounce for UAL once you get a class date. ATL has the worst most miserable flying in the system unless you have 20 years seniority. Way more movement at UAL and growth than Daddy D. The wave is over, rumors of only hiring 300-600 pilots at DAL in 2025.. not confirmed, but at worst UAL is going to hire over 1,000 next year compared to DAL just hiring to cover retirements. The wave is over at DAL and upgrades are going to take over a decade and it will take 5+ years to get to a WB plane

Quote:

Originally Posted by 170Till5 (Post 3840162)

They’re hiring over a thousand next year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper25 (Post 3840173)

They’re hiring over a thousand next year.

at best case.. there’s talks about 300-600 only being hired

Quote:

Originally Posted by 170Till5 (Post 3840195)

at best case.. there’s talks about 300-600 only being hired

There were rumors that we were going to come out of rona an airline of 7,000 pilots and be a "boutique" airline. They're all bs and as good of a guess as another. Either place will be a great job. Go to the first class, then if offered another job, decide where you'd rather live. Everything else is just fluff, especially for a 27 year old.

ATL or IAH?? Both absolutely horrid cities to live in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 170Till5 (Post 3840195)

at best case.. there’s talks about 300-600 only being hired

Just to be clear, are you talking about DL? There was a dubious rumor that was wrong.

FWIW, at the flight standards meeting over the last 2 days, the answer was reportedly more like ~1000 in 2025, and thereafter. Also, Ed said pilots hired in/after 2026 can expect a 15 year upgrade - they see a more senior upgrade as a good thing, and is how they want it.

So, it seems the ~1000/year rate that has been discussed for nearly a year now is holding true.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FangsF15 (Post 3840218)

Not doubting this at all, but I really don't see the math for 15 year upgrade. At a hire 1000/retire 500 rate, plug should move in 4-5% a year. I could buy 5-8 year upgrade for sure, but 15 would mean other factors at play.

I absolutely do see a 2021 hire telling a wide eyed 2030 hire how they became an A320 Capt on probation!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Viper25 (Post 3840173)

They’re hiring over a thousand next year.

Where ever you go, plan on the day after you get hired that they will stop hiring. You won’t be let down and it can happen. I honestly am super skeptical of hiring numbers. It’s been good. But all it takes is one thing and they cut it off.