DL v UA (ATL or IAH)?
 

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:

Brand / image is not a good consideration for a pilot to use to make a career decision, that stuff should be very, very low on your list.

Unless maybe you think it translates to significantly enhanced financial stability and performance (maybe it does in the case of DAL).

Even company internal culture should be low on the list, once the cockpit door is shut you're not subject to that anyway.

I would try to find the latest seniority movement data at each airline and see where you would fall on that graph.
You also touched on a good point; it is so nice to be at HQ, where if you want to change it up you can work as a Duty Pilot, SLI, Tech Pilot, etc…

good luck with the choice

I'd take the class date in hand and go and see if you like it. If U gives you a class date and you're not happy then you can leave. But always take the bird in hand. It would be insanity to turn down the DL class date with an uncertain class date at U.

^^^This.

I doubt IAH goes away for U, but ATL will always be there for delta, plus the opportunity to sim instruct and be home every night is tempting for many peeps.

https://widgetseniority.com/join_newhire.php

You can get a month or two free here to play with seniority.

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

I believe when I looked it up it was *around* 1000 retirements more over 20 years at United. United may hire more below you though as Delta has been hiring larger numbers longer.

I lived in The Woodlands for around 12 years working for ExpressJet. It is a really great community to live in and would be one of my top choices if I worked for United. Lots of options for housing around the waterway if you are always on the go and like townhouse style living. I have lived in a lot of different areas and the Woodlands has to be one of my favorites.

I now work for Delta and tried to find similar living to The Woodlands and moved to Alpharetta. Great area with lots of options for hiking and mountain biking close by. Alpharetta also has a lot of good townhouse living if you are close to downtown Alpharetta or Avalon or near the Alpha Loop. Atlanta has a lot of different suburbs and areas around it, so you will certainly find something that suits you.

Sounds like you have a great deal with two great job offers.

Get on the list at delta. Once you start training you’ll realize that you don’t want to start all over again at United. It’s literally the same job. But being in ATL at DL is better than being in IAH at UA. Unless all you ever want is the 737… you’ll be ultra senior rapidly at United probably more senior than delta but your 27 so it doesn’t matter you’ll eventually get whatever you want.

Take the bird in hand! If you don't like it, UAL is a fantastic place to work too. Perhaps a bit more opportunity in ATL with all the fleets, instructor gigs/other spend more nights at home opportunities. Retirement numbers aren't that far off. Current UAL management seems to be bigger on hiring than our current management, though that comes with its own pros and cons. You can't go wrong, but whatever you do, don't turn down a seniority number here when you don't have a class date elsewhere yet.