FedEx is a bunch of different airlines...

777 is 99% international. Lots of 24/36 or more layovers around the globe. But you cross a lot of timezones...

757 Germany is mostly night ops...2 -4 legs a night.

767 HKG is 70/30 night day, with some 24/36 layovers. (I am a HKG 767 Captain....)

MD11 ANC is largely international, as is LAX. Not many vacancies. MD11 MEM is a mix of everything....very dynamic bid pack.

A300/MEM 757 are day/night domestic ops. Lots of good flying. Lots of night flying. Guess which you'll get when you are junior?

When I weight decision, here are some considerations I'd consider:

Pay rates and fleet types. Delta pay rates are great, but you can probably get a WB sooner and for a great percentage of your career at FedEx....

Domiciles verses commuting. If you like or can get to ATL, NYC, SLC, DTW with ease you can certainly maximize your quality of life. If you like living in MEM, HKG, CGN....or perhaps ANC or IND you can have a good life here too. If you are going to commute, FedEx schedules and DH pairings probably make it an easier and less stressful option...

Non reving. How important is it to your family? I make enough at FedEx to buy tickets, but my AA and DAL counselors all have very happy wives who bounce around the country and world with ease. They have to watch loads, plan trips, etc but it does seem (outside looking in...) like a good perk to have. Wife hate to fly or travel? FedEx is not such a loss. Wants to go all over? Hmmm..there may be some value in doing the pax thing.

Retirement? Yeah...we got a 130k pension. I think it can be improved outside section 6, but the price would likely be the removal of an A plan for future hires. That decision will be made above my pay grade by our union reps, and there are pros and cons both ways. A few green slip trips invested in a 401k or outside account may not quite match that pension, but I think a smart guy with 20+ years at Delta should be able to do quite well if they manage their money effectively.

I suggest you take a look at both carefully, then realize whatever you do there are people who would kill to have either job. You won't be "wrong" either way. With that in mind, throw a coin and call heads or tails. When the coin in the air, ask yourself what you hope it lands on....and that is probably where you need to be.

I'd give the edge to FedEx for first few years for money. I'd give the edge to Delta for comfort and quality of life (avoiding backside of clock flying). Once you can hold some day flying or carve your niche at FedEx is tends to be less block hours and some great benefits. But...yeah...every once in a while even a senior guy gets to suck up a tough trip. You don't want to go to work for 5 years hating the job waiting to finally get that trip/layover you want. You better enjoy the job as you go along or its just going to be miserable.

Great people at both places....good luck whatever you do...

 

I had about 40 hours in the last year when I submitted my app to FedEx. They called four days after I went over 100 in the last year.

 

For most of the country I would say Fedex hands down. If you want to live in the northeast I think Delta is the best choice. New hires are on the 330 and down in NYC. New hires on the 767 are sitting one month reserve in NYC and then an international line after that. 99% of all Delta pilots want other bases so it's great for guys from the Northeast.

I wanted to move to Maine a few years ago and be senior in NYC, but the Georgia girl I'm married to saw how the winters were. So I am still junior in ATL.

 

I don't think you can go wrong at either... they were my top choices 9 years ago and still would be today.

 

If you have a high SSN, go to FedEx. Otherwise I'll see you in Atlanta. I'll be choosing after you.

 

Friend went to DL. NY 767 line holder in four months from when he set foot on property. You'll have plenty of time, and choices, at DL.

If you don't like night flying you don't have to at DL.

 

Thanks Victor. That's where I am (at about 35-40) so now I know what I need to put me into that "eligible" window. I am former-military as well.

 

If it was 1995 FedEx hands down.
Now being 56 with two grown children and looking back. Take the Airline that has a domicle where you want to Live. Especially if you have a Reserve unit nearby.
You need to live somewhere you want and start building a life in the community. If your relatives live nearby even better.

 

I'm not a Fedex guy but UPS for over two decades. My advice is to take the day job. I thought i would get used to it when I was younger, didn't happen.

before going to FedEx do yourself a favor and spend a week jumpseating in and out on a trip through the night sort and sleeping during the day.

 

Thanks, Albie! I appreciate the input and would like to personally thank you because Emerald Coast is a big reason I have both offers! It's a great program you have and you should be proud of what you created.