Boeing Aviator

To the OP.

My two cents. Hired by CAL in the late 80's in my early 20's. I'm projected to retire in the top 20 at UAL.

I upgraded to the 737 at CAL and flew it for for 8 years before moving onto the 756 11 years ago. Initially, I didn't mind the 737 and enjoyed the airplane and the flying. At the time in EWR we did a lot of transcons and two leg days.

Today, I cringe every time I see a 737. No disrespect to those flying the aircraft but the 757/767 is so far superior in terms of the actual aircraft, comfort and the overall flying I would never go back. My quality of life at work is so far superior vs the 737. Other than an occasional two leg day, a one leg a day is the standard with a BF rest seat. Personally, I really enjoy European flying and on occasion transcons. I very much look forward to flying the 777 and possibly the 787.

A lot talk on here about quality of life at home, but what about quality of life at work? Since your going to be spending a considerable amount of your time at work the next 37 to 38 years at both carriers this is something important to also consider.

My final point, in your 20's you most likely will think differently then in your 40's, 50's and 60's. At least my perspective on life in general and priorities are completely different now vs. then. I think that's normal as you age. Most likely your life and priorities are going to change significantly as you navigate through life - marriage, kids, maybe divorce (hopefully not too many), family issues etc.

Something else to consider, 37 - 38 years is a very long period of time. There will likeky be many changes at both airlines during that extended time frame. No one can predict the future, both are great airlines. But in my humble opinion, your long-term career options and variety are superior at UAL vs SWA.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Congratulations on making it to United (a great airline) at such a young age. Also whatever decision you make never look back or second guess your decisions as it can really eat away at you and make you very bitter. Life is short, enjoy the ride!

Andy

You've also got your job. I would have much preferred to commute transcon when I was furloughed. I returned from both furloughs with nasty commutes, but it sure beat the alternative. Even worse would be having your company go out of business; fortunately, I haven't checked that box yet. Yet.

Commuting to work after your domicile has closed is a high class problem. But what do I know; I've already been labeled Mr. 9-1 from someone who's worst airline experience was probably losing his PI spot and returning to the line with a commute.

This profession has never been known for offering a stable career. The highs are intoxicating and the lows are insufferable. Right now is probably the best time any pilot currently flying has ever seen in their career. There may be more upside but it won't last forever. When things start going bad, all I do is quote Caitlyn Jenner (South Park style) - 'buckle up buckaroo'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J4143zj3ps

FettyWap

Just turned down a June 19th UAL class last week...(January interview). Like I said...hubris.

Was there a 9/11 in the 80’s when guys were on the street? Or 2008? Or any other times big blue was furloughing?

Career earnings wise, I just couldn’t risk United’s bipolar tendencies. And with the way they are lagging the entire industry concerned me...and it should probably concern a junior pilot there.

Triumph

Understandably, caution is warranted. Most people at UAL would agree that things are the best they have been in a long time. Improvements are being made. The disaster that the last CEO left UAL in won’t be fixed over night, but it appears the company is on a good trajectory.


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Regularguy

Wow! It must be nice to have the kind of choices of which major you get to work for. (yes that's sarcasm).

I will ask you this, you do understand this is a seniority-based business?

Just a few numbers can make all the difference between living and flying where you want and furloughed.

To each his own. It's what makes the world work.

Regularguy

I'd be a bit careful with this. I don't know if you were hired before or after the "crawl-back," but the history of the 80's with CAL and the rest of the industry is pretty dark. Many of us remember that dark day in September 1983 when Lorenzo unilaterally decided CAL pilots were overpaid and using the BK laws of the day cut their pay by 50%.

However, you are right things change through the decades and who knew Boeing would still be building a super-stretch 737 into the 21st century.


"On September 24, 1983, Continental filed a petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Immediately thereafter, with the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, Continental repudiated its collective-bargaining agreement with ALPA and unilaterally reduced its pilots' salaries and benefits by more than half. ALPA responded by calling a strike that lasted for over two years. See O'Neill v. Airline Pilots Assn., Int'l, 886 F. 2d 1438, 1440 (CA5 1989).

Of the approximately 2,000 pilots employed by Continental, all but about 200 supported the strike. By the time the strike ended, about 400 strikers had "crossed over" and been accepted for reemployment in order of reapplication. App. to Brief of Continental Airlines, Inc., as Amicus Curiae A11, and n. 8. By trimming its operations and hiring about 1,000 replacements, Continental was able to continue in business. By August 1985, there were 1,600 working pilots and only 1,000 strikers. 886 F. 2d, at 1440."
https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/89-1493.ZO.html

FettyWap

I do. But I also understand balance sheets. And I understand that if I wanted to drive to work in Denver it would take years at United and months at SWA. Not to mention how much faster I would upgrade in Denver at SWA.

Luckily in this environment, a pilot who has the hours, doesn’t have a criminal record, and can fog a mirror can pretty much go to their pick of the airlines. To each his own indeed.

Boeing Aviator

Very familiar with everything you posted. I was hired in 87 with a somewhat large block of pilots. Strike ended in 85 and like most United pilots, I detest scabs. Best part of upgrading to the guppy in 98 was never having to fly with a scab again. I leaned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed flying with old CAL full term strikers hired in the mid 60’s to late 70’s. A great bunch of pilots.

webecheck

Simply not true anymore. The plug in Denver on NB was hired last year.

intrepidcv11

It’s pretty ballsy of him to presume he can lecture a guy like you about that era. I can’t imagine how much it must of sucked to pull gear for the scabs through the 90’s. I’m glad by the time I got to CAL the scabs were not the majority.