In base for B6 or commuting for a legacy?
 

What would you recommend for a prospective new hire who has a family and ties to FL for the foreseeable future?

How old are you? Degree? How happy are you going to an airline that isn't Delta/ United/ AA? If you are a new hire here, how much pressure will it be on your spouse to go through new hire training again?

Living is base is always the gold standard, but depending on your age, and goals, you are leaving money on the table by not looking at another airline. Some are okay with that, some aren't. All depends on what you want out of this career.

36. I don’t understand how I’d be leaving money on the table if I can play the pickup/drop game in base. This is what I’m trying to figure out.

Have you ever looked at legacy widebody pay rates?

Yes but I don’t expect I’d make widebody CA until maybe the last 5-7 years. Widebody FO vs. B6 CA who can wheel and deal... seems pretty equal, no?

Apply to all and go to first one who calls. Then make a tough choice of another calls

Can you not “wheel and deal” as a widebody FO?

You could play whatever game you wanted at any airline to get more money. But at JB, you'll be starting with less money than at another major/legacy.

As stated, it depends on what you want. Are you willing to relocate? If not, and FL is a must in your life, then focus on airlines you can easily drive to. If willing to relocate, then another airline can yield you more money from day 1.

I am very happy working here, but my dynamics are likely way different than yours. It's not the worst place to be, and it's not the best place to be. If you're content with the pay, then I think you'll do fine here. But at your age and being new here, I'd most definitely keep other apps active. But life is good enough that I don't plan on leaving.

The biggest factor at ANY airline is not having to commute IMO. A 3 hour commute 4 times a month is a whole day out of your life every month. Driving to work, and keeping those 24 hours for yourself means a lot as you get older.

You won't make B6 CA in 5-7 years without commuting out of FL (currently).

Delta's profit sharing alone this year would cover all your "pick ups". Plus better pay...