Quit SWA for UPS?
07-28-2006, 08:02 PM
#1
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Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: 737 F/O
Posts: 6
Quit SWA for UPS?
I know it might sound crazy but I'm considering quitting Southwest and going to UPS. This assumes I could get an interview and get hired at UPS which I understand is no small feat.
The reason I'm considering leaving is that I'm tired of TSA, rude pax, commuting, and flying 800+ hours a year with 25 minute turns. If I'm going to make a move it's better sooner rather than later. I've seen the lines and trips at UPS and the flying there is much more casual than at SWA.
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.
The reason I'm considering leaving is that I'm tired of TSA, rude pax, commuting, and flying 800+ hours a year with 25 minute turns. If I'm going to make a move it's better sooner rather than later. I've seen the lines and trips at UPS and the flying there is much more casual than at SWA.
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.
Last edited by SWA TO UPS?; 07-30-2006 at 08:10 AM.
07-28-2006, 08:15 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,002
If you live in a UPS base and could deal with flying the type of trips that they do,(you seem to know what the schedules are like already) then yes I would seriously consider the change.
I doubt you would completely get away from back stabbing and having to be PC though.
commuting really stinks...
I doubt you would completely get away from back stabbing and having to be PC though.
commuting really stinks...
07-28-2006, 09:26 PM
#3
Freightmama!
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: 757/767 FO
Posts: 2,880
I don't think I could ever go back to flying people unless I absolutely had to. Everytime I commute on the pax side I get reminded of how much I LOVE flying cargo. It's not for everyone though. For the record, I don't think you are crazy. Both airlines are doing well right now. Time will tell which one if both or either will be around in 25+ years. Good luck with your decision.
07-28-2006, 10:12 PM
#4
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Joined APC: May 2006
Position: Student
Posts: 252
Hey man, if that is what you want go for it. You tried it with pax, now try it with boxes. Something that can't give you some sort of smart ass remark after that not so good landing... Or "WHY ARE YOU TAKING ME OFF THE TH PLANE?!" when they are completely intoxicated... Or that disgruntle co-worker of yours that you cannot stand. If you don't think you can do this than why not give cargo a try? If all else fails you fly for UPS for a year or 2 and go back to PAX carrier. In no way do I have any experience as a cargo or pax carrier... I just feel you should go with what you want. And you've tried the pax thing, why not try the cargo thing?
07-28-2006, 10:56 PM
#5
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Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: MD-11 F/O UPS
Posts: 175
F-yeah......Southwest is a great job. UPS is better.
But, not to knock you; if you only have an AS, i think UPS is pretty strict about the requirement for a four year degree.
I fly long haul cargo and could not conceive of going back to passenger ops or short legs. If you could get on with UPS of FedEx, its the way to go.
But, not to knock you; if you only have an AS, i think UPS is pretty strict about the requirement for a four year degree.
I fly long haul cargo and could not conceive of going back to passenger ops or short legs. If you could get on with UPS of FedEx, its the way to go.
07-28-2006, 11:10 PM
#6
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Joined APC: Jun 2006
Posts: 125
Originally Posted by VegasBoy
F-yeah......Southwest is a great job. UPS is better.
But, not to knock you; if you only have an AS, i think UPS is pretty strict about the requirement for a four year degree.
I fly long haul cargo and could not conceive of going back to passenger ops or short legs. If you could get on with UPS of FedEx, its the way to go.
But, not to knock you; if you only have an AS, i think UPS is pretty strict about the requirement for a four year degree.
I fly long haul cargo and could not conceive of going back to passenger ops or short legs. If you could get on with UPS of FedEx, its the way to go.
07-29-2006, 01:48 AM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2005
Position: tri current
Posts: 1,485
Originally Posted by flappy
I agree with Vegas Boy. I flew LCC, Major Airline and Cargo. The best gig in town is long-haul cargo. MD-11 is still one of my favorite airplane to fly. Of course, it's all a matter of taste...
The best deal going is long-haul pax. But we digress.
To answer the original question, I wouldn't do it. I think it would be a big mistake and that you would regret it. That's not to say UPS is bad to work for, but SWA is a good gig and you are already established at a good point on the seniority list. You have some minor annoyances to deal with, but guess what? You'll have minor annoyances to deal with at UPS as well. They may not be the same ones, but they'll be there none-the-less.
Typhoonpilot
07-29-2006, 06:36 AM
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: 330 B
Posts: 1,610
There are a lot of threads on here about UPS. I have read many negative things about them from the guys and gals that fly there. I get the impression that they work the sh!t out of you. Some of the work rules aren't that great and their 'facilities' (not sure which ones) are not as good as Fedex. Im not vouching for any of this, just suggesting you talk to people that work there.
07-29-2006, 07:17 AM
#10
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Joined APC: Aug 2005
Position: Dial-a-Flap
Posts: 231
Originally Posted by Tinpusher007
There are a lot of threads on here about UPS. I have read many negative things about them from the guys and gals that fly there. I get the impression that they work the sh!t out of you. Some of the work rules aren't that great and their 'facilities' (not sure which ones) are not as good as Fedex. Im not vouching for any of this, just suggesting you talk to people that work there.
Just remember that you are only hearing from about 20 people who work at UPS. We have over 2700 on the list. Not everyone is unhappy.
I live within driving distance of SDF and have flown 162 hrs so far this year. I love the time with family. I can't say everything is perfect but its been pretty good so far!
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