UnprotectdPilot

For those that left a LCC (Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, or Allegiant) — are you happy with your decision? What went into your decision making calculus? Anything you wish you knew then that you know now? Basically, how did it go for you?

I’m currently at a ULCC and, while I love it, I’m young enough (mid-30s), pretty junior at my company, and live in a base at my carrier that’s also shared with 2 other legacies. With the amount of retirements and seniority movement, it seems like a better option to a legacy in the context of a 30-year airline career (relative seniority, pay potential, etc.) whereas, while the ULCC model is growing in the U.S., retirements > growth for seniority progression. I’m looking for more data points to make an informed decision; 2022 is going to hold a ton of opportunity for those that want to make a final career move.

CAirBear

Its really simple. People don’t realize what they have, in terms of QOL, until it’s gone. We absolutely have had guys at Spirit make the jump to the Big 3 and regret it. Sure do they make a bit more (currently - which will change) sure. Does it really F’n matter when both pilots retire with millions in their 401k? 🤷🏻‍♂️ I will have worked one trip the last 28 days when I come back to work in Jan. I didn’t even drop/swap anything.

I havent even hit 3 years I was legitimately awarded 13 days off over Xmas at NK. (News flash - I’m not ultra senior). Please enlighten me how many decades to hold 2 weeks off over Xmas at the “Bigs”. I’ll wait.

If you actually study airlines, especially those that grow, and their contracts, it’s pretty clear what’s ahead for the big ULCC players. I won’t waste time arguing with anyone though.

I don’t even have kids (or a wife) although I guess a loooong term GF counts, but the older I get (still in my 30s) the more QOL and flexibility matter. For some it’s always about money. Have at it. But as I said earlier. No matter where you go, with a DC of 15-16% BOTH are going to retire with more money than they can do with.

PotatoChip

Here we go again…

303flyboy

Little over this myself. So, if it works out, the question is retire with millions or retire with millions. Got it. How about pick what’s best for your sanity health and happiness and gives you most time with the family if you are lucky enough to be able to choose between those two and hope it works out. Here you will only get pilot egos looking for validation that their choice is “obviously “ the best

BeechedJet

Do you want to show off your Porsche on Wednesday or that Miata on Saturday?

hercretired

another one of these posts ?

Aero1900

That's great. Love it

NoDeskJob

I left an LCC for a legacy. The decision fit for me. And that’s what it comes down to.

For example, if you want to live in Boston, then stay at B6. But if you’re not tied to an LCC’s hub, or unless you’re 5+ years seniority at an LCC, I’d probably make the jump to a legacy/FEDEX/ups.

CBreezy

Or if you are young enough. If you still have 30+ years left, legacies make a lot of sense.

MtoL

I initially regretted leaving a LCC to a bigger airline, but I don't any more. Your airline has great work rules, but that's not to say legacies don't.

Got every Christmas off at my "Big" since my second year. Sure it took some creativity, but my family didn't know or care. I was home for Christmas.


Again, you're making the assumption that the "biggs" have no work rules at all. QOL is important to most people. I have similar QOL here as at the LCC.

At a larger airline, it's easier to find something that suits you- Get hired onto a NB, and do that for a while. Then you can pick a few paths. Do I want to remain a 737/A320 FO and do all the senior trips? Do I want to upgrade? Maybe I'll see what this WB thing is about?

The point is, you have more options. There are a great many pilots who go to WB flying and stay there until they can hold a great NB schedule, or better yet, WB CA. Likewise there are people who've moved from being senior on a widebody to a narrowbody. Their QOL (and W2's) are eye-watering. Both seats.

I'm not knocking LCCs. I flew for one. They're great airlines and you can definitely make awesome money, but you can't deny the broader opportunities and options a legacy will ultimately provide.