Delta Career Outlook?
09-26-2024 | 11:23 AM
#11
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On Reserve
Joined: Mar 2024
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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.
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.
09-26-2024 | 11:33 AM
#12
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Joined: Jun 2022
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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)
09-26-2024 | 11:53 AM
#14
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Joined: Apr 2020
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09-26-2024 | 12:04 PM
#16
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Sitting SC at the Five Towns
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.
09-26-2024 | 12:09 PM
#17
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09-26-2024 | 12:23 PM
#18
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On Reserve
Joined: Mar 2024
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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.
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.
09-26-2024 | 12:26 PM
#19
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Joined: Apr 2018
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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.
09-26-2024 | 12:30 PM
#20
Codeshare the pain away
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 301
Likes: 131
From: one DUI away from running the airline
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.
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.
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