Quit SWA for UPS?
07-29-2006 | 07:24 AM
#11
Line Holder
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,042
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From: Retired 121 pilot
Originally Posted by SWA TO UPS?
I know it might sound crazy but I'm considering quitting Southwest and going to UPS .... I would love to hear some educated opinions on this matter from other major airline pax guys and cargo guys. I'm also looking for details about working for UPS. The more details the better. I'm looking for some well thought out advice. Please, no hurling tomatos from the cheap seats. Thanks. 
Over the years, flying takes a lot out you. It's worse for some than others, but I think it effects everyone to some degree.
Back side of the clock flying takes even more out of you and I think you need to consider what it would be like if you are say 50+ and flying at 0200. Trust me, it will be harder on you then than it will be today.
I started flying international (back side of the clock) in my late 40s, and I can tell you I really felt the difference.
I know what I would do, but it's just my own opinion.
Good luck no what choice you select.
07-29-2006 | 08:30 AM
#12
Thread Starter
New Hire
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: 737 F/O
Thanks for the advice.
On paper and talking with friends UPS seems like a great gig, not to mention the business model of cargo is so superior to the pax business model. I've heard very few complaints from UPS pilots. SWA is a great gig too but like I said, they fly us hard and dealing with pax sucks. We fly 7+30 nearly every day of every trip and Gary (our CEO) says we need to be more productive!? 
A 15 leg 3 day with 22 hours of block is killing me and I'm in my 30's. Additionally, maybe it's the type of people we fly, but the stupid comments every day get old. These are the main gripes and the reasons I'm considering the switch. Whether these gripes justify such a dramatic career change is the tough question. Hence this post.
Thanks to all for the input. I appreciate your respectful comments. Keep them coming. It does help.
A 15 leg 3 day with 22 hours of block is killing me and I'm in my 30's. Additionally, maybe it's the type of people we fly, but the stupid comments every day get old. These are the main gripes and the reasons I'm considering the switch. Whether these gripes justify such a dramatic career change is the tough question. Hence this post.Thanks to all for the input. I appreciate your respectful comments. Keep them coming. It does help.
07-29-2006 | 09:12 AM
#14
New Hire
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
About 6 months ago I got a new job and moved to my base so I didn't have to commute anymore. The quality of life from not commuting is priceless although you might need to save some money for those first couple of years at UPS.
07-29-2006 | 09:21 AM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 437
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From: B737 Captain
run, don't walk
Originally Posted by B757200ER
Your career is secure, and you'll retire comfortably. Why move over?
Don't get me wrong, SWA is a great company to work for. But we work our rear ends off.
So I would go to UPS if Quality of Life is the #1 factor, SWA to UPS.
07-29-2006 | 10:04 AM
#16
On Reserve
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
As young as you are it certainly isn't a bad consideration. Get your degree and go for it. Your other option is, seeing as how you are so young, is upgrade and learn to work smarter not harder. Just flying your line as a Capt is pretty darn good pay, and as you get some seniority, you can do what I've seen some very young guys in your position do. They bid the lines that fly the least, but are rigged to pay more. They work three days a week, easy trips and have lots of time off. Heck, you should probably be in a position to retire easily or at least be in a position to only fly every other week if you want to.
07-29-2006 | 10:22 AM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,876
Likes: 0
From: 767 CA
Going from one major to another is a very difficult choice to make. Realize that once you leave SWA the odds are practically zero that you could go back. A friend of mine was here at FedEx. He wasn't unhappy, but thought AA would be the better life. It was also at the time here at FedEx that all the Captains were saying that if you're under the age of 40 what are you doing here at FedEX, go to DAL, UAL or AA. This was obviously before 9/11. It was also before our USPS deal and AA buy out of TWA. Needless to say he is currently furloughed and could be a wide body captain next year at FedEx.
So you'll never know if you make the right decision until you retire.
So you'll never know if you make the right decision until you retire.
07-29-2006 | 11:24 AM
#18
Freightmama!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,880
Likes: 0
From: 757/767 FO
Originally Posted by B757200ER
As profitable as SWA is, as happy as their employee group is, I don't see why you'd want to start over again. Your career is secure, and you'll retire comfortably. Why move over?
OOTSK,
Whoa there fella.....a happy UPS pilot?????? Say it ain't so. Have you been asked if you are going into management? Seems like if you say anything positive around here about UPS you are "destined for management".
SWAjet,
I hear ya....my friend flies for SWA and says she would rather be at UPS because you all work your little tails off.
Last edited by Freightpuppy; 07-29-2006 at 11:26 AM.
07-29-2006 | 11:49 AM
#20
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: B737 Captain
Originally Posted by furloughman
How about leaving NWA as a junior DC-9 FO for a UPS slot?
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