ALASKA in base vs UNITED commuting
 

ALASKA living in Seattle VS UNITED SFO based living in Seattle
This is “hypothetical” of course….I’m trying to get some input on which of these course of actions you guys and gals would suggest and why. I have about 25 years left to fly and plan on staying in Seattle.
-Both are great gigs. Most people emphasize living in base over all other aspects.
-There are about 25 flights a day between SEA and SFO.
-Currently no scope protection at Alaska.
-Wide body opportunities at UAL.
-Future mergers possible at Alaska could have an impact.
-Work rules differences?
-Upgrade time likely to be similar ~6 years?
-Proportionally, it looks like more retirements at UAL in the coming years vs more growth at Alaska (trying to go from 2900 pilots to 4000 in 3 years).
-UAL pays more but you could potentially make up for that living in base with Alaska.
I’m not trying to turn this into a ****ing match. Just looking for input between living in base with Alaska vs commuting to San Fran with UAL from Seattle. Thank you in advance.

Not having to fly a guppy for 25 years, priceless. :D

Are you familiar with Delta Air Lines?

Lots of flights and lots of commuters with SFO’s famed on-time performance on one end.

I know SEA commuters that buy tickets rather than fly standby on that commute, so figure that into your budget.

This. Driving to this job is just such a great thing that it can’t be understated. I love my job here at United but in your case I would rank it Big D, Alaska, UAL... delta might close their base in SEA if the economy turns but Alaska is there to stay. Delta offers wide body flying out of lax if you get bored on domestic out of SEA. If the profit train keeps going your profit sharing check at delta would equate to over a million dollar difference (Over a 15 yr career with difference invested in market) than what you would receive at Alaska. I would rather be at the big 3 for the pilot shortage than at a smaller airline where they are going to have to dig deeper in the pool for your fo when you upgrade.

Good points. I haven't received a call from Delta so that's how that goes. Right now I'm focused on these two options.

Yeah stellar advise from the two guys above. I’m sure you would have never thought to have applied to the best legacy gig with a base where you want. Only good thing you have seen so far is that the SEA-SFO commute blows. In a base where 85% commute, I’d say at least a third are SEA guys. Throw in FA’s and it’s pretty brutal.

Nice to have options, most of us went with the first airline that called.

If he is at Alaska and Ual is in the cards... The delta email will be coming shortly if he has been shaking that tree. SWA will be in there as well if he applied. The pile of competitive apps isn't that deep.

A friend of mine was in the exact predicament almost two years ago. While he only had the interview at UAL, he chose to go to training at Alaska and not continue the UAL process. His initial thoughts were the same as yours and his time left was 27 years at the time. I believe he is happy with the choice he made. He still does a bit of “what if?” when he sees a 777 or 787 taxi by but driving to work (plus one ferry for him) is hard to beat and if you go to Alaska with realistic expectations you will be very happy. My .02