Indeed. Additionally, entry level pilots also receive 8 hours of per diem for each day of training.

100% worth the move. You're young enough. DTW is junior enough. Your QOL will be miles better and by year 2/3 you'll earn plenty. You might have to spend a year commuting to somewhere which isn't ideal, but most likely you'll get back to DTW much quicker than that.

Not trying to hijack this threat, but I see this question might fit well here for (hopefully) a potential candidate. When is the perfect time to start applying if Delta is my goal? I’m currently with a AA WO, and DAL has always been the goal. Is there such a thing as “applying too early?” I understand it isn’t 2022-2023, but I have rapport with the company as a baggage service handler. TIA.

If you meet the minimum qualifications, then there's no such thing as applying too early.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not mean you're competitive, but you have nothing to lose by submitting a professionally reviewed application and updating monthly.

I second this advice!

You miss every shot you don't take! I agree, if you meet the minimum requirements, apply and keep your app updated! If you haven't looked into an APP review and/or Interview prep, I would highly recommend getting a second set of eyes on your APP!

agreed and also you may have something to gain. I think they like seeing that an applicant applied asap and updates frequently. Shows motivation.

Hey y’all. Another potential candidate here. Currently year 2, starting year 3 as an FO at Alaska early next year. I have a CJO from Delta that I’ve been sitting on with class in late January. I live in SEA but have been commuting my whole time at AS so far due to no hiring.



A few thoughts I’ve had about the decision:

• Seems like DL is on the back side of its hiring curve, but being in my mid 20s seniority will likely be a wash by the end of my career.

• AS has a bigger operation in SEA and enough pilots on the list there that trip trades are fairly easy (reserve is a different beast). My family and I plan on staying here for now.

• AS feels like a fun startup with new route announcements related to the HA merger, a new 787 sim at the SEA training center, and is becoming a five fleet airline…but their smaller scale worries me a bit.

• I am furlough protected at AS through fall of next year thanks to one of our merger agreements. Our current CBA is solid in most areas with the exception of reserve…hopefully to be improved in the upcoming JCBA.

• DL is going to have five fleets in Seattle alone. I would think the artificial seniority gained from spreading pilots across fleets is not insignificant.

• Upgrade is tough to predict. Not sure what trickle down effects the opening of SEA350 at DL or SEA787 at AS is going to have on seniority.

• I’m unsure whether I could get SEA out of the gate at DL. My SSN would make me quite junior in class.



Just wanted to hear if anyone made a similar move one way or the other and either loves it or regrets it. Beyond thankful to have these two great airlines to decide between! TIA!

I left HAL with one year on seniority- because I didn't want to work for AS or live in the PNW (or CA). I am finishing up year 2 at DL and I still cannot get to SEA on anything except the 220, maybe the 737, but definitely not the 320. We are on the backside of the hiring curve it seems. Retirements drop even less per year in about 2032. Growth is slow, but still impossible to predict. You are young so plenty of time at either airline.

AS should get about 20 787s, figure out when you can hold captain on that vs DL in SEA with some numbers on widgetseniority. I think AS would probably be the better play, but I don't know all the details on the age of your group, plus HAL fences, and whatever else comes from the JCBA if AS ever stops stalling with it.

I do know SEA is the fighting ground for DL right now, and the bigger fish is usually the better place to be. AS customers are loyal, but how loyal will they be when there is a price war for international WB premium seats? No one knows yet

Reserve at DL is nice if you live in base- not good if you commute with the 6 short call conversions. If you could get 220 (or 737) in SEA (or SLC which is junior and base transfer quickly) and sit reserve on it for a while at home I think DL would be a good deal. Worst case scenario (low first number of your last 4) you could be commuting to ATL or DTW for 717 for a year so factor that in.

I miss the people I worked with at HAL and 330 flying was way less work than I do now- but I don't regret leaving. Either way you go will be fine, but giving up 3 years of seniority to go to the bottom of 17xxx with slow movement is definitely a cost to measure

^ I appreciate the honest input. That’s really helpful!