10-22-2023Quote:
Because UAL has so many more widebody airplanes than Delta, especially those requiring double augmentation, approximately 20-25% of UAL pilots are holding the highest paid airplane (747,777,787, and the soon to come A350) but at Delta only about 10% of the the pilots are holding the highest paid airplane. The numbers may not be exactly right but that's the general idea. Although you will likely be in NYC your entire career, which is where DAL has a high concentration of wide bodies, this may not matter as much.
Other random thoughts:
Virtually, all of the NYC UAL flying is consolidated in EWR, although there is some 737 flying out of LGA, which is good for the people living in CT & LI.
EWR flying is great in every fleet! 737s do a mix of domestic and Caribbean. 757/767, a mix of domestic and Europe. 777 fly China, India, Israel and some Europe. The A350 will likely be coming to EWR, as well. Lots of long haul flying requiring double augmentation creates LOTS of pilot vacancies throughout the seniority list.
The EWR culture is pretty laid back. It is the most heterogeneous domicile in terms of legacy backgrounds (People Express, NY Air, CAL & UAL). The seniority integration went smoothly and most everyone gets along pretty well, i.e., professional, respectful and fun. The flying is so good and so junior that it is common to find people commuting from all around the country to the 777 in EWR.
As for driving to EWR, some people take the train from LI to EWR but I don't know how well that works during various times of day. Many people do move to PA because the cost of living is less and the drive is pretty easy.
Congratulations on your success. I would just add just one other personal key to a happy life: Stay senior in your seat for as much of your career as possible. The quality of life improvement is huge. Knowing you will always have weekends, holidays, and prime vacation times off is great for personal peace of mind and family harmony. With the current UAL contract, it actually pays to be senior, even in a lower paid airplane. This is because there are many ways to take advantage of contractual provisions to gain overtime pay if you are senior in your seat, especially if you are within quick driving distance of the airport for short time call outs.
Best regards!
This is some of the best advice I've ever heard, thanks a bunch!Originally Posted by WorldTraveler
Regarding the number of widebodies at each airline: Because UAL has so many more widebody airplanes than Delta, especially those requiring double augmentation, approximately 20-25% of UAL pilots are holding the highest paid airplane (747,777,787, and the soon to come A350) but at Delta only about 10% of the the pilots are holding the highest paid airplane. The numbers may not be exactly right but that's the general idea. Although you will likely be in NYC your entire career, which is where DAL has a high concentration of wide bodies, this may not matter as much.
Other random thoughts:
Virtually, all of the NYC UAL flying is consolidated in EWR, although there is some 737 flying out of LGA, which is good for the people living in CT & LI.
EWR flying is great in every fleet! 737s do a mix of domestic and Caribbean. 757/767, a mix of domestic and Europe. 777 fly China, India, Israel and some Europe. The A350 will likely be coming to EWR, as well. Lots of long haul flying requiring double augmentation creates LOTS of pilot vacancies throughout the seniority list.
The EWR culture is pretty laid back. It is the most heterogeneous domicile in terms of legacy backgrounds (People Express, NY Air, CAL & UAL). The seniority integration went smoothly and most everyone gets along pretty well, i.e., professional, respectful and fun. The flying is so good and so junior that it is common to find people commuting from all around the country to the 777 in EWR.
As for driving to EWR, some people take the train from LI to EWR but I don't know how well that works during various times of day. Many people do move to PA because the cost of living is less and the drive is pretty easy.
Congratulations on your success. I would just add just one other personal key to a happy life: Stay senior in your seat for as much of your career as possible. The quality of life improvement is huge. Knowing you will always have weekends, holidays, and prime vacation times off is great for personal peace of mind and family harmony. With the current UAL contract, it actually pays to be senior, even in a lower paid airplane. This is because there are many ways to take advantage of contractual provisions to gain overtime pay if you are senior in your seat, especially if you are within quick driving distance of the airport for short time call outs.
Best regards!
