FedEx to United
08-02-2021, 11:45 AM
#121
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: B767
Posts: 795
Originally Posted by Vernon Demerest
It’s not the night flying that would bother me about working for FX. It is the night hub turns and sitting around. Used them this year and it looked miserable. One pilot from each crew was “laying over at home” (daytime layover) so I guess that worked out for those two but the night sort stuff would kill me. The first leg probably not too bad but the sit and subsequent leg killed me as a jump seater and I couldn’t imagine doing that for more than a few months in my career.
Now, having said the above - I don’t understand our (UAL) guys saying “I can’t do red eyes “ and then talking about all our international widebodies etc. as a positive. When you fly a 777 or 787 (or even the 757/767), long haul, a portion of that will be at night most likely so let’s not get too high and mighty. Yes, we have people to prepare our meals using real China and utensils and good rest areas (FX 777s have even better), but we “fly at night” as well. Like so many have said- a good problem to have in selecting between the two. Very different cultures/flying careers. I’m very happy with the one I made and I hope the OP is as well, no matter the direction taken.
Now, having said the above - I don’t understand our (UAL) guys saying “I can’t do red eyes “ and then talking about all our international widebodies etc. as a positive. When you fly a 777 or 787 (or even the 757/767), long haul, a portion of that will be at night most likely so let’s not get too high and mighty. Yes, we have people to prepare our meals using real China and utensils and good rest areas (FX 777s have even better), but we “fly at night” as well. Like so many have said- a good problem to have in selecting between the two. Very different cultures/flying careers. I’m very happy with the one I made and I hope the OP is as well, no matter the direction taken.
08-02-2021, 12:21 PM
#122
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2012
Posts: 670
Originally Posted by BAe3100FO
Notice most of the responses to “why leave FedEx” are usually “ I get first class deadheads and will be a 1k at some point”. NOT THAT THE FLYING I ACTUALLY DO SUCKS AND ITS KILLING MY BODY AND WREAKING MY FAMILY LIFE”. That is all…. You’re welcome!
08-02-2021, 01:01 PM
#123
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,219
Heck of a problem to have! Congrats.
Couple of things:
1. We don't just "sit around" during a hub turn like someone mentioned above. The jumpseat room does in fact have couches with people sitting around, who are jumping out. However, operating crew are usually tucked into their sleep room down the hall way. We have them in all bases.
2. Night flying has a stink to it. Most get used to it and find their rhythm, but some can't cut it and most likely never will. Our international flying here is quite nice, so much so, I'd say it's better than what you'd see at UAL/DL. That international flying and the length the layover does not sound appealing to me. 3-4 years on property can afford one in most instances a pure day-time flying line on a domestic WB.
3. Post the same question in the FedEx for some "opposing" opinions.
I've worked for both. You’ll have a fantastic career either way, so make a decision and don’t look back. Enjoy!
Couple of things:
1. We don't just "sit around" during a hub turn like someone mentioned above. The jumpseat room does in fact have couches with people sitting around, who are jumping out. However, operating crew are usually tucked into their sleep room down the hall way. We have them in all bases.
2. Night flying has a stink to it. Most get used to it and find their rhythm, but some can't cut it and most likely never will. Our international flying here is quite nice, so much so, I'd say it's better than what you'd see at UAL/DL. That international flying and the length the layover does not sound appealing to me. 3-4 years on property can afford one in most instances a pure day-time flying line on a domestic WB.
3. Post the same question in the FedEx for some "opposing" opinions.
I've worked for both. You’ll have a fantastic career either way, so make a decision and don’t look back. Enjoy!
Last edited by coryk; 08-02-2021 at 01:26 PM.
08-02-2021, 02:08 PM
#124
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2012
Posts: 670
Originally Posted by Edpilot23
IDK I have friends at FX who are miserable! Red eyes tough schedules and not the best culture… they would all come to UAL in a heartbeat. Having said that I also have a friend who left UAL for FX during the pandemic, he is not regretting it one bit.. To each it’s own.
I personally prefer flying human beings to their destination but that is just me.
Both great companies, leaving a CJO on the table for a company that will retire 90% of its pilots in 15 years will hurt at some point in time… Good luck.
I personally prefer flying human beings to their destination but that is just me.
Both great companies, leaving a CJO on the table for a company that will retire 90% of its pilots in 15 years will hurt at some point in time… Good luck.
08-02-2021, 03:36 PM
#125
Occasional box hauler
Joined APC: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,685
Originally Posted by opt0712
Never heard a single thing about a "bad culture" at FedEx, maybe you are thinking of your app in at UPS?
08-02-2021, 03:41 PM
#126
Banned
Joined APC: Dec 2016
Position: Sitting
Posts: 223
Originally Posted by tnkrdrvr
Ouch! No offense, but you probably won’t find a more unified or laid back pilot group than the IPA. An entertaining thread to follow. I think the OP has great options. In his shoes I would choose United and work in training kingdom, simply because that’s what my neighbor in Monument did and he had a good life. FEDEX would be better financially, but you won’t have the expense of traveling back to Colorado for ski season.
08-02-2021, 09:04 PM
#127
On Reserve
Joined APC: Dec 2020
Position: 767 FO
Posts: 17
I would just follow the crowd. Look at which airline has hired the most pilots from the other airline over a certain period of time (let’s say past 24 months), and then just do what they did. Must be a reason why the traffic only flows in one direction 99% of the time. Saves you all the work of having to figure stuff out 😅
*side note: flying boxes is pure bliss, no other way about it*
*side note: flying boxes is pure bliss, no other way about it*
08-02-2021, 10:36 PM
#129
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2013
Position: No Hats No Jackets No PAX
Posts: 1,505
Dozing for dollars or a dollar in regular clothes in my case still sounds a bit better than waiting around in sleep box for the next go or hauling bodies like ground hog day but y’all get paid well for it so there’s that. UA/Purple great opportunities. Someone did mentioned the tools have retired or moved on to the “Purple Toolbox” (777) My UA bud really enjoyed the international box hauling last year in the wide body with the door open, but now he said he’s back in the salt mines. Either way boxes rule people druel is a nice chant but really boxes don’t complain but can kill you and people in the back or up front have done the same. 4 person Crew to 2, that’s next sometime/whenever. Overall, it falls into your specific priorities and you can’t judge your career until 20/20 hindsight has set in. So hopefully you chose wisely and enjoy the ride and arrive at your retirement destination as unscathed as possible. These are great places to be - Well done, carry on!
08-02-2021, 11:32 PM
#130
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2011
Posts: 137
Another thing to consider is the drastically less block time we do at FX. An average domestic night hub trip on the 75 is about 34hrs of pay and 10hrs of block. Tons of soft time built in that allows lots of extra time at home with the fam.
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