I'm glad to see this thread because I am in a similar boat.
OP, If I was you I would go to United. Until now I have always lived in base. As a new hire at Delta, I've been having to commute. Its only been a couple months, but I already hate it. It feels like hell compared to what I'm used to, which is home in 40 minutes after stepping off the plane. According to the APC numbers, between now and 2040, Delta will have 6,900 retirements while United will have 8900 retirements. You'll be fine at United when it comes to seniority.
Now as for my predicament.
I originally wanted United but Delta came through for me first. I was already in training at Delta when United invited me to an interview, and they gave me a class date which is coming up. I live in NYC so commuting isn't an issue for me either way. I have 2 major questions:
1. Friends at United are telling me that United wants 28,000 pilots on property by 2030??? That sounds ridiculous and kind of impossible but is it true that that is what they are saying? Is there a solid basis for that or is it just company propaganda? I'm aware I would have better seniority at United long term, but even if that is half true that would be a game changer.
2. My other "pro" in the case for United, is that my impression is that they are relatively more progressive/less resistant to change. Is this true? I am basing this based on word of mouth, their bolder DEI policies, their allowing more individual expression in their flight attendant uniform policies and a history of not being afraid to be the first airline to change/take action. (while Delta always goes for more of a "wait and see what everyone else does" approach. Does my impression have some truth to it, or am I off base?
This one is important to me because... for various reasons I don't exactly fit the traditional old school cookie cutter pilot mold. Pilots are a very homogenous bunch, and some of them can be very "gatekeepy" about it and have some rather inflexible ideas about what it means to be a professional pilot. It is extremely important to me to work someplace long term where I will run into the least resistance and most acceptance. I'm good at what I do, I have a good attitude, but I've only been at Delta a few months and I've already run into a few uncomfortable situations with other pilots. Is it likely to be better for my at United in this regard?
Thank you all!!