Airline Pilot Central Forums - Delta Career Outlook?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Valar Morghulis (Post 3839918)

Honestly, unless you have a super compelling reason to jump, I’d stay put. Good reasons to leave would be an impending implosion or moving to a specific base so you can drive to work. Outside of that you’d need a darn good reason.

You missed the wave. DAL started hiring in big numbers in 2014, and many of those were 30 or younger. You’d be behind a big, young wave that has decades to go, and that only accelerated in 22 & 23.

It’s still a great gig, and at 30 you have a lot of years to make a lot of money. But you’re going to have a much more traditional career path than those hired just a few years ahead of you. You could conceivably be flying with people who are years younger and way more senior, talking about how they upgraded in six months, while it’s taking you 6, 8, 10 years or more. If that kind of thing doesn’t bother you, good deal, but if it chafes, then it’s going to chafe for decades, especially if your spot at your old place winds up better.

Honestly, at this rate I'm not sure what the long term viability of my current employer is going to be (SWA). I would move to a Delta base (ATL or SLC). No interest in AA as I think they are a dumpster fire. UA just don't love the bases.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valar Morghulis (Post 3839918)

You missed the wave. DAL started hiring in big numbers in 2014, and many of those were 30 or younger. You’d be behind a big, young wave that has decades to go, and that only accelerated in 22 & 23.

True. Timing is everything.
I wasn't on the leading edge of the wave in 2014 but based on when I got hired in the wave I'll be able to hold WBA for more than half of my 34 year career at Delta. (assuming sub-4000 is WBA)

So a 35 year old getting hired now would not be able to fly WBA if a 27 year old could only do it for 3-4 years?

Quote:

Originally Posted by planejoe (Post 3839936)

So a 35 year old getting hired now would not be able to fly WBA if a 27 year old could only do it for 3-4 years?

Not accurate. WB A was 4700 earlier this year. Someone hired at 39 would see 4700 prior to retiring. A 35 year old would retire between 3100-2600.

Hard to believe that 34 years at Delta would not be long enough for a great career. Totally understand missing the wave, but still.

There is no way anyone can predict any airline's fleet in 30 years. You would be behind a hiring peak at D for sure but it's still a legacy with a top contract. If it's widebodies your after, go to UAL. Choose a legacy on where you want to live. Fleets, and even cultures change.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly90 (Post 3839941)

Hard to believe that 34 years at Delta would not be long enough for a great career. Totally understand missing the wave, but still.

From WS look’n like if hired at 30 would have around 10 years as WBA being 4000, likely more assuming WB growth over next 30+ years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GogglesPisano (Post 3839945)

From what I've seen sounds like QOL is much better at Delta though. I have some buddies at UA stuck on reserve in SFO and it sounds like hell. At least there are several bases at Delta that I wouldn't mind living in. UA...maybe Houston?

My priority isn't WB at all. More so long term viability of the company, company performance/financials, job stability. You guys are killing it at Delta. Seem to have sensible leadership too. SWA is a rudderless ship. Significant stagnation, back to 10 year upgrades, etc. I really don't know if we will be a great place to be in 5, 10 years.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly90 (Post 3839941)

Hard to believe that 34 years at Delta would not be long enough for a great career. Totally understand missing the wave, but still.

I mean define "great." It's still a very good career most likely barring unforseen black swan events. Seniority movement isn't going to be rapid though and to end up spending a significant amount of time as a widebody captain like 5+ years, you'd have to be hired pretty young. Like mid 20s. Hired today expect 5-10 years to upgrade to narrowbody captain. Maybe the lower part of that range if you're willing to be the plug in any base. The higher part if you're waiting for a specific base or a tiny bit of seniority.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly90 (Post 3839951)

Come on over to AA! You can have those same reservations here that you have about Southwest, minus the 10 year upgrades.