Help. Continental or UPS?
 

My first post on this board. I've been following both carriers for a few years, and I know I'm fortunate enough to have this predicament. I'm currently in the pool at UPS. I was placed there in the Spring. Last week I was offered a class date at Continental which I accepted.

So, what should I do if UPS calls? Am I stupid to want to stay at Continental? I can definitely see the pluses of going to freight and UPS especially, and it will be tempting to leave for the stability and possibly pay with the future contract. I live however in the Northwest and could commute easily to Newark.

What would you all do?


Thank you.

That's a no Brainer....follow the money. UPS (like FedEx) has way more "revenue units" in that metal tube which means they can pass along costs much easier than a pax carrier. Look at the 10K reports and the PROFITS to see which company is going to be buying airplanes in the future (oh, besides the 747-400 UPS just announced). Do you really want to base your success or failure on how easy the commute is? Uh, Move!

Run don't walk, Go Brown.

But then again, what do I know? I'm working at a former legacy carrier.

I would second the above post. There really is no comparison. UPS will be a far more stable career. Going to Continental would be a huge gamble.

Typhoonpilot

Continental is a great place to work but there is still alot of questions about this industry and who the survivors will be. I believe Continental will be a survivor and I will ride it out. I already hitched my wagon but if I were you I would most likely go to UPS.

UPS without a doubt. Dont even look back.

If you just compare which company has had more furloughs and pay cuts the answer becomes obvious.

You all have made me really think about this. I'll admit after thinking through it a little more that the airline industry is a completely different animal from UPS. The business models only share one thing, and that's using airplanes.

One pilot PM'd me and has made a good pt. that many lines commercial or deadhead to the east coast, making it easy to begin and end trips at UPS.

So I guess I'm leaning towards UPS if they ever call me (SWIMMING IN THE POOL IS NOT FUN). I would like to end my career on the -400 or Airbus 380, how nice would that be.

Very nice of you all to reply, Thank you very much.

Just to pile on, UPS.

CAL may be looking OK (relatively speaking) but is still very precarious. A merger or an accident can tip any airline.

Its a different model over on the Cargo side, and with the Commuter Policy, Its often easier to commute. (deviation from scheduled DH's)

I know at least 2 Guys who have left CAL to Fly UPS or FDX.

Its a different world than 1999, and I think most have had thier eyes opened.

BTW, If UPS is starting to grow like FedEx, watch out.... WB Fo at the 1 year point, making $4 more than what a 2nd year JB Capt makes.

Keep your personal dreams in the equation. Do you want to be an "airline pilot" or do you want to fly "big airplanes"? If interaction with the public is in your picture, UPS is a tough way to go. However, the chance to fly "big airplanes" is probably better there -- and only one other person verbally critiques your landings! (two on the DC8, none if you're the Capt!)

Money is a tempting reason to take a job but if you don't enjoy the position it will quickly become just a lousy job that may or may not pay well.

All else being equal between your choices -- brown is the next best color to green ($) :)

Personally, I'm at SWA because I like the company and its culture. I was content to be in my senior airplane the first day on the job. After 7 years I'm in the left seat and not bored at all because I'm still trying to learn how to land a frickin' 737 with my left hand!

UPS hands down....... Definately a company you'll can plan to retire at!