I dunno, I talk so some of my friends on “global reserve” and it seems like a mess as a junior pilot. SW has tons of room for improvement, but there’s a reason why upgrades and WB’s go junior over there.

That being said, this guy has a UA offer. Not even a discussion until you pass whatever it is SW is looking for.

 

United offers a fleet variety and variety of flying. Southwest does not - one airplane type and the only variety is AM/PM schedule, and maybe if you fly to Hawaii. This is a huge plus for United. To illustrate this to you in percentages, you can hold captain at United in a narrowbody equipment pretty much right off probation because people have choices in equipment, type of flying, whether to be on reserve in that capacity or hold out for a line, etc. At Southwest, we do not have those choices. This is reflected in upgrade times. To illustrate my point, to upgrade at Southwest, you need to be around 62% system seniority. Mind you, that's to be a reserve captain. I understand that United, the juniormost 756 captain was around 64% system seniority, while narrowbody captain slots are going to people just off probation as long as they have 500 hours with UAL. Not at Southwest.

To make the most of Southwest as a career, you need to live in base.

 

I had a similar situation 7 years ago and I chose SWA. I’d probably make the same decision if I had to do it over again, based on my personal priorities. But it’s a good problem to have and I don’t think there’s a bad option either way.

 

At SWA you have two choices. You either go to bed at 2 AM on a PM trip, or get up at 3 AM for a AM trip. Wash, rinse, repeat moth after month, year after year.

 

That’s easy. REALLY easy, and I’m very appreciative of the efficiency in our schedules.

 

its exhausting, our fatigue and sick calls are at the highest rate ever. Our trips used to be really good, before the shoulder flights.

 

In the last few weeks, I’m shocked at the number of crews finishing their ‘day’ as I’m walking in the terminal with a cup of coffee for my 4am report. Surely this isn’t/wasn’t the norm? Will there be a return to fewer sub-6am pushes in the fall?

 

Sorry, but I have a similar question, I have CJO from AA and UAL. I live in Base (NYC) about an hour from all three airports (JFK, LGA, and EWR) Older guy with about 10 years left in the 121 world. So, what do you think, please include a why….. Feel free to PM or post really appreciate the info….

Thank you

 

I do not know why you are asking this question on a SWA thread but I would take UAL hands down. Compare their balance sheets. AA is one black swan event from being 1/3 their size today through another bankruptcy. Just my humble opinion.

 

This started when the -300's went away. Unfortunately these schedules are here to stay. Get use to saying goodnight to the PM crews.