Best Airline for Initial QOL
03-22-2023, 08:51 PM
#21
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Joined APC: Jan 2021
Posts: 1,121
Originally Posted by Joeschmo
Concerning QoL, does DAL’s “superior” contract trump UA’s seniority progression/widebody opportunities?
Based on my circumstances, it seems it’s boiling down to flying WB sooner at UA, working 10-12 days/month, versus flying NB at DAL with slower seniority progression, but with a historically superior contract.
Based on my circumstances, it seems it’s boiling down to flying WB sooner at UA, working 10-12 days/month, versus flying NB at DAL with slower seniority progression, but with a historically superior contract.
There’s always a reason upgrades go vacant, WB flying goes junior. It’s because all the other FO’s ahead of you don’t want it. They usually don’t want it because the QOL sucks. Do you want to fly WB or do you want great QOL?
03-22-2023, 09:53 PM
#22
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Joined APC: Dec 2022
Posts: 21
Originally Posted by LAXtoDEN
Not 100% because I don’t have UA’s reserve rules in front of me but I don’t think you’re going to be on reserve for only 10-12 days a month for the 777…
There’s always a reason upgrades go vacant, WB flying goes junior. It’s because all the other FO’s ahead of you don’t want it. They usually don’t want it because the QOL sucks. Do you want to fly WB or do you want great QOL?
There’s always a reason upgrades go vacant, WB flying goes junior. It’s because all the other FO’s ahead of you don’t want it. They usually don’t want it because the QOL sucks. Do you want to fly WB or do you want great QOL?
Unfortunately, I’m not collocated with a reserve squadron, so I don’t have the luxury to have this same discussion in the jet or bar.
The friends I still keep in touch with all love the companies they are flying for, so it’s hard to get an unbiased opinion about each airline.
Last edited by Joeschmo; 03-22-2023 at 10:25 PM.
03-22-2023, 10:48 PM
#23
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Joined APC: Apr 2022
Posts: 796
Originally Posted by at6d
LOL. I’ve been all over Texas and lived in it for many years. Houston is hardly the arm pit.
03-23-2023, 06:21 AM
#24
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Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: Assistant (to the) Regional Captain
Posts: 153
Originally Posted by Joeschmo
I appreciate all the replies. I most definitely want to pursue QoL over WB flying. I continue to bring up WBs because I assumed it allows you to hit your min guarantee in less work days, maximizing time at home. I’m not surprised to be misinformed about many aspects of airline life, including WB vs NB flying.
Unfortunately, I’m not collocated with a reserve squadron, so I don’t have the luxury to have this same discussion in the jet or bar.
The friends I still keep in touch with all love the companies they are flying for, so it’s hard to get an unbiased opinion about each airline.
Unfortunately, I’m not collocated with a reserve squadron, so I don’t have the luxury to have this same discussion in the jet or bar.
The friends I still keep in touch with all love the companies they are flying for, so it’s hard to get an unbiased opinion about each airline.
03-23-2023, 06:23 AM
#25
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Joined APC: Dec 2013
Position: A320 CA
Posts: 2,297
Ok, yeah, I wouldn’t get too wrapped up in WB flying. Having WB opportunities on the other hand does increase your NB seniority and QOL. I’ve never been WB, but yeah if you can sit reserve and not get used, that’d be the only real way to stay home more. On the other hand, NB eventually allows you to do shorter trips including turns, and maybe be home more. Also, if you need to get home for an emergency, that will be quicker on a NB layover. Regardless, your QOL is going to be ridiculously better than in the military…no comparison. Just need to prepare your family for the transition.
03-23-2023, 07:43 AM
#26
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Joined APC: Oct 2015
Position: Gear slinger
Posts: 2,895
Originally Posted by dwightkschrute
Delta has a great new contract and affordable bases. It’s the best airline to fly on and work for (as of today). United has a lot of WB flying and are close to a new contract. If you want WB, I’d say go there. AA has the best seniority progression but will probably lag in QOL. It will take you a little longer to hold WB there but you will rapidly accrue seniority. As someone who has been furloughed once and almost furloughed a second time, every person underneath is more job security.
AA did go through with furloughing pilots thanks to APA selling junior pilots down the river during Covid while United and Delta did not.
03-23-2023, 04:39 PM
#27
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Joined APC: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,728
Originally Posted by Joeschmo
Concerning QoL, does DAL’s “superior” contract trump UA’s seniority progression/widebody opportunities?
Based on my circumstances, it seems it’s boiling down to flying WB sooner at UA, working 10-12 days/month, versus flying NB at DAL with slower seniority progression, but with a historically superior contract.
Based on my circumstances, it seems it’s boiling down to flying WB sooner at UA, working 10-12 days/month, versus flying NB at DAL with slower seniority progression, but with a historically superior contract.
03-23-2023, 09:51 PM
#29
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Joined APC: Jan 2022
Posts: 120
I have class mates who bid reserve after about the 1.5 year mark on a WB and have barely flown. Timing/base/airplane play a huge factor in that though. An example is a friend on the NB on reserve in DC. 1.5 years in and has 200 hours flown at UAL. YMMV at UAL, but there are ways here to collect 73 hours and not fly. Despite all that I'm sure there are better options out there in terms of overall QOL though.
03-23-2023, 11:51 PM
#30
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Joined APC: Oct 2017
Posts: 199
All airlines have there issues. The biggest problem with UAL is their field stand by utilization and global reserve on WBs. Other than those 2 big items they are a great company and have comparable work rules to everyone else. Delta has the best QOL because of their new contract. The other airlines will match eventually or get close.
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