So your around 11800 on the list and it last closed around 10800? I would gamble that left seat NB for your seniority is next spring to fall. Most junior to hold it recently was 3.5 yrs seniority and they are about to hit a lump of newhires from late 2015-early 2016 that might not bypass upgrade as much as the previous group.

Correct re my seniority. You might be right but obviously it’s impossible to know what people will bid. I’m holding onto my prediction...it’ll be serious first world problems if I get the chance to bid either seat in under 3 years on property. To the OP - it’s a great time to be here.

One small correction: on one *specific* bid it closed around 10,800 and hasn’t come close since. That bid was a bit of anomaly, it was absolutely humongous and occurred after three previous very large bids.

I definitely think captain will go more junior this winter, but it will take a few large bids to get there and as previously stated, I think you will see less bypassing as it gets down into the mid/late ‘15 and ‘16 hires. I have everything to gain from it going junior, but keep in mind that if a bunch of junior people take the award, it makes the seat more desirable/acceptable in the next bid for (line holder only bids) seniors

To the OP: if your goal is specifically LAX, I would choose American. Although I think united cockpit culture is definitely better on the whole, I would say LAX is one of our more vulnerable hubs. We have a huge hub in San Francisco and if the economy really turns, I would expect to see way less aggressive expansion in LA in favor of our fortress hub up north. American is the largest carrier in LA and I do not see them having any desire to cede that position to United or Delta.... The only caveat being, Parker scaled way back in New York in favor of being the big fish in a little pond at Philly. It is possible he would do that in Phoenix, however I believe the southwest presence there prevents that to some extent.

Bottom line, with the amount of retirements coming in the next 15 years, a career at either AA or UAL is going to depend more on your overall attitude and enjoyment of the lifestyle than it will on the airline specifics

Early 2015 hire here and I know numerous pilots around my range holding out for a bigger buffer of pilots junior to them before going NB CA or WB FO, myself included. I’m guessing you very well could get that NB CA spot by end of year or early next year but then obviously the slightly more senior guys will begin to consider jumping in as well. I know it’s captain obvious stuff but just adding to the conversation.

FWIW I came down the jetbrige about 40min prior to departure and met my FAs just outside the plane. It was scorching hot in the plane and they refused to even get on it until it was cooled.

I’ve been in the habit of saying hi to the FAs and saying I will be right back after I get the cold air going. Turn on the APU so the FO can kill the external air on the way out. It’s a nice way to gain some immediate good will with the FAs

Big C! :D

It’s really that simple, it’s amazing how many guys still don’t get it though.

Been taught by some of the best.

We showed up in EWR on a hot day and the agent apologized that she took the initiative to call MX after the FA showed up to start the APU and get the packs on. We called a redcoat down to make sure her supervisor knew what an outstanding job she was doing!!