mainlineAF

Just to point out UA and AA upgrade times will change dramatically in a few years. With almost no hiring from 2001-2012 that 16 years to hold captain will go down to around 7 or 8.

ZapBrannigan

You saying I'm not handsome enough for a bust?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

flyguy81

Don't disagree. However time to hold left seat is pretty different in DEN vs EWR. DEN used to be a widebody base. When they got rid of the planes people downgraded and went to the NB to stay in base. Which is why it's the most Sr. In the system. I've jumpsat on planes where people lived in DEN and commuted because of relative seniority or they couldn't hold it. It's like SWA's ATL base.

mainlineAF

I hear ya. I'm not UA so I don't know the specifics of DEN. Although I'd imagine once the retirements really start going in 3-4 years a lot of those DEN guys will retire.

John Carr

As well as on a pamphlet to hand to a pompous/arrogant legacy pilot that thinks his fecal matter doesn't have a bouquet and feels the need to career counsel those that simply didn't go to work where he did....

As I said earlier, too bad some pilots can't just S-T-H-U and say/think/post "hey, good for that guy/those guys".

It's funny to watch this circle repeat itself from pre 9/11.

Technically, it wasn't a "widebody" base. 75 domicile where one would occasionally fly the 76

At one time, during the BK, not even the ~#2000 pilot on the list could hold 75 CA in DEN.

And keep in mind, although those guys will be retiring, there's STILL "younger" guys commuting to other domiciles with years left waiting to get BACK to DEN as a NB CA. As well as senior WB FO's waiting for a DEN CA slot to open, what have you.

IAHB756

At some point this thread derailed into a DEN specific SWA vs UAL argument. My opinion was always go with the airline that gives you the most choices, especially if you are young. I was at a large regional then left for a LCC during the decade of pain. In 2005 I interviewed at CAL and was offered a job( I was 30). It was my dream airline having grown up in the Houston area. I knew I'd take an initial pay cut leaving a LCC after 3 years (holding captain when I left) but I knew I'd never forgive myself if I didn't give it a chance. If I had stayed, I'd most likely be flying narrowbodies for the rest of my career having a blast working with great people and making a great living. A win. I did leave and have flown three types of aircraft now (both twin aisle and narrobody) and have worked in the training department on the 757/767 and now serve as a LCA on the 737 and absolutely love the job and the airline. I have conducted new hire IOE with several who have come from JetBlue and one from SWA. They all had the same reasons I did for taking the plunge and going for a legacy job. For then next few years I'll fly a 737 or an Airbus as a captain just as I'd be doing at SWA or JetBlue (albeit with the accoutrements like hot meals/nice hotels/private transportation that come from a mature contract) before having the option of flying trans-Atlantic or wide body domestic or long-haul Pacific for the last twenty years of my career if I want a change (and I know I will). There is always the option to switch back (and many do). If you are young and willing to move (or commute for a period of time), a job at AA/UAL and even DAL can be rewarding in that you can see the world, meet interesting people from varied backgrounds and be based in some great hubs. You can make your own life with the ability to drastically change your profile (like go to Guam if you take UAL as an example) should you need a change.
On the ability to pickup flying and make extra money: who says you cannot do that at a legacy? I regularly fly with guys/gals who pick up premium trips and bank over 100 hours credit a month. That's a lot extra when you consider B-fund etc each month and most of the time these pilots are only blocking 75-80 hours for that 100 plus credit. It isn't hard to do on the Airbus or 737 at all in my opinion. I can easily pickup an extra 10 hours a month with a single 1st class DH to the islands and fly one leg back or an easy 2 day with min 5 per day credit. Enough about money.
The OP has a difficult but great choice to make. My opinion is obvious. If you have 25 years or more, go with the legacy. If commuting is a no no and SWA is a non commute, there is your answer. Great company and a great career. I know I would have been happy there.

e6bpilot

I think you deserve a full statue, maybe replacing "Big Tex" in the Love Field terminal. You are, after all, the patron saint of the furloughed airline pilot.

ZapBrannigan

I like the way you're thinking!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

flyguy81

Yeah...just don't know how many currently commute and will bid back once it becomes less senior. Something I wasn't willing to gamble on with young kids. I'll know in 30 years if it was smart or not to pass on the interview.

flyguy81

When I was a kid it was I believe, no? DC-10's, etc. Watching the planes taxi over the highway at Stapleton is what made me want to be a pilot.

Buddy says they're opening it back up as a 75/67 base in the fall. Not sure what that'll do so seniority of the base since it pays the same. Only draw I could see to moving over from the NB would be better overnight choices?