All,

I currently have a CJO from both Delta and United. I know there have been threads asking this before but wanted to see a fresh perspective as the other threads are a couple of years old. This is a big decision and I want a genuine opinion. Currently live in SLC but would possibly be open to a move. I also would most likely take a first available upgrade at either. It sounds like the United class is going to be late Feb early March and Delta has a pool with the best guess of late Spring/Summer. I would like to add that I feel very fortunate to have to choose between Delta Air Lines and United Airlines both are great companies. Thanks in advance for your input.

-B

 

Get started at United, if/when the time comes make the decision whether you’d like to move on to Delta. Any thing can happen between now and then. At least you’ll be on Seniority List and moving in the right direction.

 

Congrats ...stats?

 

Line Check Airman
9000 total time
3000 121 PIC
11 years at Regionals

 

Where do you want to live? What kind of flying do you like? How old are you?

Delta is a better airline currently, but United is improving/growing rapidly and has more widebody flying.

Seniority/movement is everything.

 

We are somewhat open to where we would live, if SLC turned into a Jr. Upgrade with the expansion of the new airport, then SLC would be great. But we are flexible there...

I haven’t done the long haul international but ultimately would like to(and I feel I would enjoy it) at some point in my career.

Currently 35 yrs old.

 

United flies widebodies as domestic only aircraft, which gives them more widebody seats (they don't have as many more Captains as the numbers imply due to work rules differences though).

United has some good work rules, but I think Delta still has the better overall contractual package and is heads and tails better for a commuter (at Delta you can reserve a jumpseat in advance and it's yours, at United you can be bumped at any time by someone more senior).

The retirement numbers are high enough at either for you to have a great career going forward. I do think the financials are better at Delta, but don't think either airline is a bad choice.

Right now new hires are getting put in NYC, but within the past year SLC has been in new hire classes at Delta with any base in the system attainable within a year (longest time now is having to wait for the 1 year new hire seat lock if you need to change equipment to get the base you want, normal seat lock otherwise is 2 years).

Upgrade isn't nearly as critical at the major level as at the regionals, if I understand correctly that you're talking about moving to wherever you can upgrade fastest base wise (for Delta the fastest upgrade is almost assuredly going to be NYC FWIW).

UAL does provide new hire hotels and I believe new hire pay (before you get line qualified) is better. Delta provides hotels during indoc but once you come back for initial aircraft specific training you're on your own (hotels are provided again for recurrent going forward).

 

See UAL uniform thread, then consider your options.

 

Congrats on both offers! I’m going to give you a perspective from the UAL side. This is just based on current events here from my perspective as a 4-5 year FO.

First of all, I highly recommend living in base no matter which airline you choose. Your initial reserve life will be night and day better if you’re sitting short call from the comfort of your own couch and not stressing making a commute.

So, I’m bullish on United. While Delta has a mature and much better managed merger, UAL is just beginning to hit its stride operationally and real growth is on the horizon. Incremental aircraft orders for growth seem to be the norm. This past year we’ve placed orders for more 787s, 777s, 737max, and purchased used 767s and A329/320s. I’ll post info below regarding this. So while Delta has many orders arriving, much of that is for fleet replacement. UAL shrunk significantly and is in a growth spurt to attempt to regain natural market share.

United is in contact negotiations. This will be an interesting year to see if management is willing to actually come to the table and address concerns from the pilot group. Our relationship with management right now it’s pretty OK but as always, trust but verify. Scope is going to be the big battle. Our current contract is working with scope choke, however with the addition of a A220, EMB190 etc... we may see some significant mainline growth. I’m cautiously optimistic.

You’ll have great opportunity at either airline to diversify your flying. Narrow body, wide body, domestic or international you can pick your flavor. UAL doesn’t seat lock you like Delta. You can always bid up to a larger category right away. Ex: you get 737 as a new hire, you can bid to 756 or larger immediately if you want. The latest vacancy award had wide body FO’s going very junior and CAs running about 3.5 years in SFO.

Like mentioned before, UAL gives you a hotel and pays you roughly 90hrs credit during training. It’s a pretty amazing perk as a new hire. I actually made more in training than I did at 10 regional CA pay.

Delta is a great airline. I have many friends there and they chug the koolaid. I can see why. The airline prints money, profit sharing destroys our and I believe they make you eligible in your first year. UAL requires that you’re on property Jan1st of that year to be eligible. I’ve been very happy with my decision to come to UAL and will never look back and second guess. You win either way. Best of luck to you!

 

Great problem to have! It’s all positive from where you are now.