Originally Posted by flyguy81

I live in DEN as a WN CA, bid rsv and have worked 4 days in the last month (not counting unused rsv days). Pickups on days off go above guarantee. I worked 5 rsv days and picked up 2 2 days on days off last month for 9 days of wearing a tie. Credited 150 on 39 hrs block. Is UAL that flexible? How easy is it to turn 1 week of VA into 3 weeks off? Can you completely rearrange your schedule with open time/pilot trades with ease?

UAL has the ability to work in the TK and aren’t limited to being a FO while doing it anymore. Also have fleet choices which allows your seniority to be artificially better compared to single fleet.

I gave up a UAL interview 10 yrs ago because DEN was THE senior base (took 3/4 years to hold it as the FO plug) and the company was getting rid of the WB/757 base. Then COVID happened and it became jr with NH being offered CA spots.

You never know when you’ll get a “street CA” slot or be furloughed a week in….I’m not saying furloughs couldn’t happen at WN…just that any jump is a gamble. With 35 yrs in, it might be worth it if WB is what you want. I wouldn’t give up seniority and take a several year paycut for it (WB itch died when I had kids) but different strokes for different folks.

If the OP never intended to stay, 35 yrs is a long time to stew over what could’ve been….

Originally Posted by Chimpy

I’d say the odds are still significantly better he upgrades at United first (seniority progression in general will be better) vs SWA and the fact he doesn’t have to fly the 737 for the rest of his career is a bonus. I’m practically a midget and I find this thing incredibly uncomfortable and it kills my back 😂

Originally Posted by Larry in TN

After 35 years in this business, I know a lot more pilots who regret not taking the chance by leaving a comfortable position than those who regret doing it.

Originally Posted by flyguy81

Def a little jealous of the guys who spent half a minute at the regionals making $100/hr to start with bonuses and ended up at a legacy in their mid-20's....beats my timing out of the water by a long shot. Lol

Originally Posted by 60av8tor

The unicorns that get sprinkled in every generation's seniority list... nothing but luck. Like the guy I flew with last year. 787 CA with a bit more than 10 to go; already a 777 CA for 10 years. Retires top 5, I believe.

Originally Posted by 11atsomto

As you correctly state there have been numerous threads with very similar if not exact circumstances, What makes you think, the responses to them, or overall collective wisdom on your career course of action would be different??



Lets say You retire at WN at 15% .....what does that get you?.......I'm not really sure but I know its doing something flying the 737.......
Im not sure what your retirement % will be at UAL.....but at age 30......its gonna be pretty good perhaps not 15%......

Originally Posted by flyguy81

Wasn't my plan as a student pilot to fly a 737 for 30 years but the lost decade didn't give me many options. I got hired at SWA at 34 and am 44 now....with how many were hired before me at the big 3 I'd never see left seat of a WB. At 30 yrs old, I think the reward potential greatly outweighs any downside. At 3 yrs seniority, he prob might have been able to upgrade in 2 more years at SWA had we not stopped hiring due to Boeing's inability to do their job....so upgrade at UAL very well might be faster especially if he doesnt mind commuting. Def a little jealous of the guys who spent half a minute at the regionals making $100/hr to start with bonuses and ended up at a legacy in their mid-20's....beats my timing out of the water by a long shot. Lol

Originally Posted by Chimpy

you and me both, at least you ended up at SWA and not Spirit though 😂