NoDeskJob

I would happily work for SW - like other former E-3 drivers. When I was an Lt I thought I wanted to fly 777s across the pacific, but after 8-14 hour flights over the pacific....my mind had been changed. It's the backside of the clock flying and jet lag that kills me. Much respect to the guys who fly it. Ultimately, like others have said, QOL is what I'm looking for, so I'm open to just about any national or legacy.

Jetjok

It's nice that you have the foresight and ability to pick your airline. Most guys just take the first one that offers them a job and then they work the system. Everyone has slightly differing needs and as such, the airline gig manages to work out ok for the vast majority of guys. By the way, I hear there's a new start-up airline that flies only from LAX to OAK and back. Sounds like a perfect fit for your royal highness.

Sink r8

Back to the original question, and the OP... It seems you need to better understand the bidding systems, and seniority. You really don't have to worry about being forced to flying long-haul at any of the majors.

Seniority determines the trips, and in categories that have both domestic and international, international usually goes senior. Junior = domestic, Senior = choice.

There are paths where you might be forced to fly long-haul, but they usually imply some conscious choice on your part, such as you decided to fly the 757/767 when it was offered in class, and now you're all kinds of surprised you're flying to Africa on Christmas, off Reserve, with the most hated captain in the base.

If you want to be certain, however, you can go to airline where you most likely would never do long-haul, such as SW. You could become really, really good at flying the 737.

As far as guaranteeing you'll see only the CONUS, I can't think of any fleet at any airline I would ever want to fly for, that will guarantee you that, over any meaningful period of time.

I really think you're looking at this the wrong way. Find an airline with the money, domiciles, and cultural fit that might work, and worry about exact destinations later. What you're doing is like going to an audition for a soap commercial as you try to break into Hollywood, but worrying about whether you might be forced to go on a date with Demi Moore, because she's aged a little, and you've slept with enough middle-aged chicks.

NoDeskJob

Jetjok, if you're throwing spears at me, not cool man! I'm just trying to learn here. Also, notice I said "just about any national or legacy." Thanks to all the others who gave me the gouge on the bidding/seniority/types.

drinksonme

Don't forget, as other speaking about AA have, that the entire Airways system will be part of the new AA. Besides LCC's, Airways has a large CONUS structure and much smaller international presence when comparing it to other legacies. The A320 at US Airways are primarily domestic with very little international flying, save Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. This is all bases (CLT, DCA, PHL, and PHX). DCA Airbus has very little flying that is not CONUS. So remember that in short order, the new AA will have a lot of CONUS flying with a lot bases to choose from.

tsquare

I see you are "retired". Assuming you were an airline guy, you worked in an industry that was reeling for many years because of deregulation/mismanagement and learning how to survive in a world where religious zealots viewed us as easy targets. Most of those days have passed, although the religious zealotry still remains, and will not go away.. ever. NOW... any pilot that is entering the market is going to have a fantastic career. Every legacy airline is retiring the majority of it's pilots in the next 15 years, and youngsters getting into the business are going to have a choice of airlines. Actually, I am quite envious of those that are now at the regionals and coming out of the military in the next few years as their careers are going to take off like yours and mine could only have dreamed. Those of you that are telling youngsters NOT to get into this business are doing a huge disservice to them IMHO. They WILL have a choice, and their choices are going to be spectacular.

gloopy

Its right there on top of the intercept button.

Jetjok

Yes, retired from a full airline career and 34 years of military service as well. You may be right, that in the future, guys will have multiple choices (to fly for an airline), but in the present day, that's not so much the case. And like I mentioned, most guys opt for a sure thing and seem to be able to work it out. As for NDJ, I'm sorry guy. I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. Best of luck with your future.

tsquare

Believe me... with all due respect, it is changing right before our eyes. I had a JS the other day who was going to LGA for his last Compass trip before starting school at DAL. According to him, they are losing 20 guys every month, and are struggling to replace them. DAL has several thousand applications on file, and I am sure that UAL and AAL have similar numbers. We are gonna lose 8000 guys in the next 15 years, and they have to come from somewhere...... UAL and AAL have the same problem. With 117 and the Colgan 1500 hour rule, this is gonna be a great ride for the young guys.

Sliceback

NDJ- as drinksonme mentioned AA+US is the largest domestic airline. Currently you'll have the option of flying one of three different fleets (S80, AB, 737).

You'll also have the option of flying international to the Carribean or w/b long haul. The number of four man trips are going to increase. To hold an FO job on a four man trip you have to have the seniority that could also be a 767 CA. Why that senior? It's having to deal with the negative impact on your life that the 3 on/7 off requires, with half the flight time spent in a bunk, that comes hand in hand with four man trips.

The legacy airlines have huge retirements coming up. From what I've seen AA has the largest percentage retiring in the coming decade. That will give you the quickest advancement, either to CA or to the senior FO seats.

This is why there's so much interest in the hiring plans of the legacy carriers. Guys on the civilian side tend to understand the opportunity that is finally presenting itself after a decade of stagnation.