Dwane

Would you leave Jetblue for United in this situation?

I know it is a hypothetical question considering UAL is not currently hiring, but when hiring resumes (which it sounds like could be later this year on the legacy CAL side), I just wanted to be optimistic and consider the option in case the opportunity presents itself. Everyone’s situation is totally different, but here is where I’m at:
• I am currently on reserve and live in base (JFK), and have been at Jetblue for less than a year.
• I’m in my mid 30’s with a kid on the way.
• I’ve always wanted to work for a legacy airline, but was lucky and landed a job with Jetblue. Overall, I have been pleased (especially the reserve rules).
• My wife and I want to live in the Pacific Northwest in the near future, with a limited commute.
• The pay scale at Jetblue is decent, but I know there is way more than just the hourly rate when comparing pay from one company to another (maybe someone can weigh in on this, too).

Here are just a few personal pros/cons that come to mind:

UAL Pros
• Equipment choices (varied types of flying)
• Route structure
• West coast presence
• Seniority movement (retirements)
• Healthcare
• ALPA

UAL Cons
• Reserve rules
• Atrocious first year pay
• Messy merger
• Returning UAL furloughs that are senior
• Junior bases may not be desirable
• ALPA

Again, these are personal pros/cons that I know will differ from person to person. I would really like to hear others opinions that may be in a similar situation, so that if I am fortunate enough to have a choice in the future I can make in informed decision. Obviously, I realize a call from UAL might never happen, but you know, just in case it does….

Also, on a related note, for those UAL furloughees currently at Jetblue, would you return to UAL after now having insight on the culture/outlook of each respective company?

Thanks for your input!
-Dwane

candlerman

Nobody has a crystal ball but on paper you would be better off going to United. Pay will go up at United. Retirement, medical, disability is already better at United. Age 65 retirements coming soon at United compared to the throngs of 40 year old captains at Jetblue.

You're already in New York for a EWR commute and will probably have an easier time moving to the Northwest with United.

The time to have been hired on with Jetblue was < 2006.

Just my opinion - Good Luck.

Flyby1206

I'd go for UAL. It may be sticky with the UAL/CAL merger still getting sorted out, but might as well deal with that now, as opposed to the future when jetblue goes through some sort of transactional event like that. Also, if your end goal is to wind up in the PacNW then it would make much more sense. A commute to SFO would be much easier than JFK. I dont see us (jetblue) growing out west anytime soon.

TTOCSMCC

The point that jumped out at me was that you and the wife want to live in the northwest. Which one has a domicile out there?
...and hypothetically speaking, Why not Alaska?

Dwane

UAL has SEA, DEN, and SFO which are all relatively close...and yes, Alaska is definitely a consideration as well.

Thanks for the input, it has been helpful!

amcnd

Had a friend do that... He is still on the street... Stay put... You would have a better chance of jumping on Alaska down to LGB then any west coast United bases in the next 5 years +

Columbia

DAL has SEA, LAX, and SLC fwiw.

intrepidcv11

Honestly I would not recommend joining the UAL circus to anyone. Wish DAL would of called first.

maddogmax

True but all very senior bases!

dudemize

I would be inclined to stay put at JB. I would think your QOL is pretty good living in base.

I left JB in 2007 for NetJets. It was a great move until the furlough. Luckily I had the Guard to fall back on, so I was able to take a 3 year paid LOA before the furlough.

You will likely be on reserve for a long time at a junior domicile at UAL with the LUAL furloughees coming in above you over the next several years. The retirements will be the only saving grace as I don't see any growth happening for some time. UAL is cutting capacity 2% this year last I heard.

Still a hard decision, though. If you stay at JB, you will be doing JFK to FL/Caribbean for a long long time, with the occasional west coast red-eye thrown in for good measure. Not necessarily a bad thing, but if you have a strong desire to do true international someday then that is certainly a consideration. You are still young enough that you could have a good career at UAL, it just might be a little bumpy for the next 5 years or so.

Will JB be involved in a transactional event in the next couple years? Hard to say, but it certainly wouldn't be a shock. However, I wouldn't let that affect your decision. Too much of an unknown, IMHO.