Can't really go wrong with either right now. I'm at Delta, but I think right now United has more upside (unless you want to live in a DL base then 100% choose Delta). I think UA will have a consistent quick upgrade in both SFO and EWR whereas Delta's is streaky. Also Delta has hired far more pilots already during this wave. United has more access to widebody flying if that's your thing. Delta's profit sharing is awesome, but United has some better contractual things also and profit sharing isn't a guarantee.

All in all, if bases matter choose accordingly. If upgrade/seniority matters most then pick United (or widebody flying).

Where does your wife want to live?

All the money differences pale in comparison to a significant other that’s home alone three or four days a week.

I'll recommend someone no one else has. Be a rebel, turn them both down

They'll never see it coming!

One thing to consider. Delta has a "one and done" policy. That is if you fail your first upgrade you're an F/O for life.

I recently heard that from a Delta Captain and couldn't believe it. Every other airline I know of gives you at least two chances to make an upgrade. He told me he knows of a 28 year old pilot who will be an F/O at Delta for life because he took an early upgrade and failed.

Not that you're worried about that, but it is something to factor in.

I highly doubt this is true.

What are you talking about? This is 100% false. Like anything in today's aviation world, be humble, take responsibility, and ask for help and you WILL be given another chance.....probably multiple if need be.

Lots of airlines have a max in upgrade attempts. When I was at Jetblue it was 2 max . May have changed . And yes we had FO’s who were lifers due to this.

To the original topic , cultures do change over the years but can you see you self more at one versus another ? I would do fine at either one I’m sure, but for my few years at United I have dealt with an awesome group of pilots . I think they are both great careers opportunities . You can find fault and greatness with either one . What everyone else said , but I would lay the decision heavily on where you could see your self and family living for a long time .


Congrats again !

It’s not something to factor in, because he sold you a bag of goods. In other words... absolutely false.


For the OP... can’t go wrong with either! Think about where you (your wife!) want to live, and try to not commute if you can!

Patently false.

Are you sure he wasn’t a Delta Connection pilot?

Live in base. nuff said