Originally Posted by AntiPeter

I really enjoy UAL. Our route structure and diverse options can't be beat, most of the people I fly with are really cool, very helpful and well meaning.

With that said, I'm surprised as a company we tolerate the behavior of our CEO. The growth plan causes a double take, especially considering it is built on the -MAX and a culture that puts DEI, identity, toxic & confrontational politics ahead of customer service, on time performance and cancellations.

There are a lot of good things about UAL, but we have a lot of work to do to improve. I'm not sure our current corporate culture will get us to where we need to be. Even if the -MAX turns out to be a successful investment (unlikely), and even if the public liked DEI and didn't care about performance and customer service that is often lacking; even considering the most optimistic scenario, I remain skeptical of the United Next plan.

I think it is reasonable those newer pilots with multiple options have their eyes wide open. The future is unknowable, but often history tends to repeat itself...it would be fantastic if United Next succeeds, but perhaps the headwinds are already increasing.

United has often had industry bottom management. It's time we expect more from our management. We deserve it. United and Delta are both great companies.

Originally Posted by Ripinpeace

FWIW kinda same boat here. 24 now, at UA first, tho I went to DL (I was the choose airline first, choose to live somewhere second). I was open to IAH or ATL in base living, but made the jump to ATL now.
at our age seniority progression with this retirement stuff is negligible (you’ll have WB Capt plenty of time at each), so biggest factor is base (which you have that issue but if I were you I’d move to stay at DL, you’ll see why).
I kno ppl say “10, 20, 30 yr from now” but right here right now and as far back as “is relevant” to modern operations: Delta is the industry leader in easily every factor other than network (which changes constantly/WB flying is limited by fleet & base anyways not like you’ll fly every route at each company) And I made my decision on: 1) which company should I hedge everything on for giving me the most for my time (how little can you work/how much can you make) clear winner is DL in $ and QOL assuming in base both. Just from going thru both, I’ve had 5+ UA guys during training tell me go DL if they had the choice, that their DL colleagues always made more/worked less if they desired (also no pride among TK or pilot group I noticed at UA albeit was there during contract negotiations). Not one word of that at DL saying go UA.
Big factor to, you already have good seniority at DL and are in your groove, don’t reset that for UA to go thru training again and rly RESETING you seniority for this “relative seniority gain” that can fall thru for any reason in the next couple years, it’s irrelevant in early 20’s.
You really have to hate driving/not wanna move to make this jump to UA, you’re leaving (what many ppl will obiv argue) is the premier airline of the U.S. for customers and the pilot group/PWA itself and you’re already here. Don’t reset that for #2 cuz of a small drive that u can change. UA is behind DL $/operationally for years to come, Kirby cross dresses, DEI, more planes = more debt, “UA Next” is such nonsense, I never felt any pride being there. I’ll take the heat, but this is the truth, stay at DL and enjoy the ride man.. Yes I’m a kool aid drinker at DL, but there’s a reason it taste better to so many more ppl over here.. you made it man hit the brakes and rake in your cash. More likely than not you’ll regret jumping ship, believe it or not choosing between staying at UA and starting again at DL was tough, but glad to not be going back to MLK Boulevard in nasty DEN for the rest of my life

Please consider moving my guy

Originally Posted by fiftyfourtyten

Hey everybody,

I know there have been other threads on this topic, but I wanted to get some separate opinions on this situation. I'll also preface this post by saying that I am extremely grateful for the oppurtunity that I have with both companies and I'm simply trying to make the best decision between the two.

I'm currenty at Delta (hired in mid 2023). I live about 1hr 20m from EWR and anywhere between 2-3 hours from JFK/LGA (depending on traffic). Despite living in SE Pennsylvania, Delta was always my top choice airline. However, once I started working here and making the drive to NYC last fall, I realized that it might not have been the best choice for me. At my regional airline, I was making a 30 minute drive to the airport with barely any traffic and $0 in tolls. At Delta, my drive to JFK/LGA has been anywhere between 2-3 hours with signifcant traffic and about $300-400/month in tolls. I may have spoiled myself at my regional, but it definitely taught me the value of living close to base. Needless to say, driving past EWR every time I go to JFK/LGA had me thinking that my QOL could be a whole lot better at United since the drive to EWR is about half the time and half the cost in tolls with very little traffic.

Fast forward to today- I currently have a CJO with United and a class date scheduled for the first week of March. I've spent countless hours over the past 6 months trying to make a decision whether to stay at Delta or make the move over to United. I am not necessarily tied down to SE Pennsylvania (currently 23, no wife, kids, etc.) but would prefer to stay around here if possible. I've considered other base options with Delta (namely Atlanta and SLC) but it feels a little crazy to purposely move away from the NYC area with the seniority boost here.

Here are some of my other factors I've considered:

Delta
- Already employed with 6+ months of seniority (about 1k from the bottom on the list)
- Flexibility to commute in the future with better reserve rules
- Better premium pay oppurtunities
- Better profit sharing
- Better bases if I end up living somewhere besides the NE (personal opinion)

United
- Easier drive to EWR compared to JFK/LGA
- Significantly more widebody flying and better route network than Delta
- Better seniority progression (assuming growth plans materialize)
- Better technology for employees (employeeRes, Crew Companion, etc.) (Delta tech is painfully bad)
- Quicker ability to upgrade on NB for hold WBFO


Is there anything else I should be considering? I'm open to any and all advice/opinions. I have been mulling over this for months and I'm finally at the point where I have to make a firm decision in the next few days. I'm being very careful to avoid a "grass is always greener" mentality. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Originally Posted by Aquaticus

The max while it has seriously bad PR the purchase price and reliability compared to an airbus is a pretty easy choice. Airbus is charging a premium for the next decade of delivery slots. The dei policies and “woke” media obsession are taking over corporate America. Delta has been an old white boy club for longer but they too will change. You will be sued into compliance. As an example United’s entire hiring process is the way it is because of hundreds of lawsuits over the years.

DAL or UAL? I would go to DAL. They print money, are a fierce competitor, less management bloat / less unionized labor, and the hardcore odd people there are mostly retiring. The culture there is very different but it is a job. You aren’t going there to make friends with everyone. I say the less unionized labor thing just based on the money aspect. They will out earn the competition that have a higher % of unionized labor. Go there, make your money and sock it away.

Originally Posted by elmetal

I'll just add that even without growth plans, our retirement numbers are much higher than deltas. delta's wave has come and gone. so just take a closer look at progression without growth and you'll find that it is still a better outlook here.