Originally Posted by AR1978

So from reading through this thread it looks like a 10 year upgrade time (or not anytime soon) with the potential of that decreasing over the next few years just bc of the amount of pilots needed?

I’m 43 and am retiring from the Air Force now that I’ve crossed 20 years. If it’s an 11 year upgrade I’d be around 54 or 55 before headed to the left seat with 10 years until the mandatory 65 year retirement. Given the long upgrade time would you guys recommend I try for SW or look at airlines that upgrade faster? I’m still researching Delta, but Frontier is on a 3 year upgrade for example. Frontier is a low cost carrier but from researching that the qol is pretty good and the domiciles work for me, so I keep looking at that one. However, I’ve always liked Southwest and the way the company operates, so appreciate any advice you guys have to give on this one.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Lewbronski

The only reason I can think of for coming to SWA right now is if the vax mandate is a big deal to you. SWA is granting blanket or near-blanket accommodations which is pretty much the opposite of a place like UAL, which granted almost none.

If it was me, I’d go to Fed Ex or UPS or UAL, in that order. SWA would be at or very close to the bottom of the list.

Originally Posted by Ninethstage

Interesting that UAL had so many cancellations over Christmas from crews calling in from Covid symptoms, considering Kirby was touting how vaccinated they are. 🤔

Originally Posted by AR1978

So from reading through this thread it looks like a 10 year upgrade time (or not anytime soon) with the potential of that decreasing over the next few years just bc of the amount of pilots needed?

I’m 43 and am retiring from the Air Force now that I’ve crossed 20 years. If it’s an 11 year upgrade I’d be around 54 or 55 before headed to the left seat with 10 years until the mandatory 65 year retirement. Given the long upgrade time would you guys recommend I try for SW or look at airlines that upgrade faster? I’m still researching Delta, but Frontier is on a 3 year upgrade for example. Frontier is a low cost carrier but from researching that the qol is pretty good and the domiciles work for me, so I keep looking at that one. However, I’ve always liked Southwest and the way the company operates, so appreciate any advice you guys have to give on this one.

Thanks

Originally Posted by AR1978

So from reading through this thread it looks like a 10 year upgrade time (or not anytime soon) with the potential of that decreasing over the next few years just bc of the amount of pilots needed?

I’m 43 and am retiring from the Air Force now that I’ve crossed 20 years. If it’s an 11 year upgrade I’d be around 54 or 55 before headed to the left seat with 10 years until the mandatory 65 year retirement. Given the long upgrade time would you guys recommend I try for SW or look at airlines that upgrade faster? I’m still researching Delta, but Frontier is on a 3 year upgrade for example. Frontier is a low cost carrier but from researching that the qol is pretty good and the domiciles work for me, so I keep looking at that one. However, I’ve always liked Southwest and the way the company operates, so appreciate any advice you guys have to give on this one.

Thanks

Originally Posted by Thunder1

AR1978. Check your PM’s and give me a call. I’m retired AF, spent time at United in 2008 and been at SWA 10 years. I’ll be happy to give you my insights.

Originally Posted by Mozam

Just tell him that if he likes the AF he will not even notice a change when he changes units to WN.

Originally Posted by Mozam

Just tell him that if he likes the AF he will not even notice a change when he changes units to WN.

Originally Posted by ZapBrannigan

Recently flew with a Captain who took earliest upgrade. Commutes from Florida to the West Coast. Has to fly PMs because they are junior out there for some reason and that's all he can hold.So he gets up at oh-dark-thirty, commutes out West, then flies to Hawaii, arriving around 10pm local or around 4am Eastern Time after being awake for almost 22 hours. That sounds miserable.

Pros and cons of the "early" upgrade I guess.



He has decided to bid back to FO until he can hold something closer to home.