And I see more and more people staying put on the 7373 because of the trip variety and the potential to make such good money if you want. I’ll personally never bid back to a widebody, been there done that, yuck....

 

And yet WB FO is slowly becoming senior to NB CAP. I sat 31 % as a 777FO and now sit 27% as a NB CAP. Your argument was made during the SLI, but the truth is and always will be that people like to work less when they can, and senior WB long haul flying provides people with an average of 6 days a month or way less if you play the reserve roulette game. You can't come close to matching that as a NB pilot, BUT I bid NB CAP because I couldn't stand being an FO anymore nor could I take flying ALWAYS on the back side of the clock.

My point is, however, that your sentiment is 100% false. WB FO has become increasingly senior since the merger.

 

Jimmy, is that your Mom calling? Time to take out the trash, eat dinner and then go do your homework.
Someone in high school is pretending to be an airline pilot on the forums -- it is SO entertaining when that happens.
Jimmy -- can you please post some more for us when you finish your homework....PLEASE!
But no really YOU are the rude one -- but MOM he called me rude first. This thread is hilarious.

 

Actually, it’s 100% correct. You cherry picked your numbers because EWR A320 is a very junior base. I’m a little senior to you and would be significantly more senior as a 777 FO than I am as a 737 CA. I’m 45% and going backwards. Where’s everyone coming from?

Getting back to the original point, long haul flying is great for many, including myself. It’s low stress with lots of days off. It’s even better if you’re a commuter. However, saying it’s going senior to NB CA is demonstrably false. In the end, $$$ trump just about everything.

 

Albie,

I am a United furloughee from 2008 and a current Southwest 7 year F/O and here is my advice for your friend:

1) Always drive to work vs commute if at all possible

2) Keep your first wife if at all possible

3) Nothing is certain in this industry. Don't believe the quick upgrades at United or the oft repeated they have a ton of retirements so you're golden, etc. My sim partner at United in 2008 was a 16 year 75/76 FO and finally took the A320 Upgrade. I was furloughed 5 months after completing training and within 9 months he was bumped from his Capt seat and downgraded back to 75.76 FO. Things can change in a hurry. Instead, look at the history of the company, the culture, their financials and their leadership team.

So, what am I saying....given the information you have provided it is a no brainer. Southwest all the way!

Best wishes.

P.S. -- pass this along as one data point for him as a guy living in domicile. 2017, 6 yr. F/O pay total compensation 285K and I worked less days than the average line holding narrow body United pilot. Caveat -- when I am at work -- we work -- very productive, but tiring trips for the most part. But stats don't lie -- less days at work for more pay.

 

This thread reminds me of the thread in the Delta section with guys whining about not being able to wear whatever color lanyard they wanted to.

SWA and UAL are better than the majority of flying jobs out there, and you're making more money than 95% of other Americans. Sometimes a little perspective is needed.

 

The OP was looking for perspective for a friend on whether to go with SWA or UAL and it's being given, along with the usual complaining and chest thumping.

 

Probably not going to get a better perspective than this...

 

Thread drift...
Are you planning to return?
Sounds like you are happy at SWA (driving to work, same or better schedule/pay/QoL).

Motch

 

Delta never furloughed, until they did.