Jumping Ship to UA
 

I have seen this post over and over again but it’s my turn to ask.

Currently at Southwest at 30 years old. Just about to start my third year here. Currently living in base (DEN). My QoL is alright here, my base seniority has been pretty stagnant and due to personal reasons I don’t have the opportunity to pickup and trade as much as other people. I have enjoyed the culture here but I always planned on this being a temporary stop for me.

I have been waiting in United CJO pool for months. I got my CJO in March and finally got a class date in January. I have been very eager to come over to United however waiting 10 months has really made me question if this is worth the jump. I would like to do wide bodies and being in Denver the TK isn’t out of question for me. I know a lot of opportunities out of new hire have passed (WBFO and NBCA) and I am worried I’m behind the curve there.

Is it still a good decision to come over to UA?

yes. Do it. I did it at 44 years old. You’re a young fella

I would make the jump if flying WB is important to you and your personal circumstances allow the pay cut/ loss of seniority. If you want to fly WB anytime soon, DEN won’t be the quickest. NBCA depends solely on deliveries which are quite slow at the moment. Someone else might be able to speak to the TK stuff.

I don’t think you’re behind the curve at all, we still have a ton of retirements over the next 10 ish years and a lot of growth plans. Good luck with your decision!

35 years left? Yah kinda a no brainer to go to UAL in DEN.

100%

Den WB is limited now but lilkely to grow substantially as 787's come on line ... which on a 35 year horizon won't be that long.

I would do it. SWA is undoubtedly a great company but I believe that they have temporarily lost their way. I think they will be back in their prime again but it’s a rough path with Wall Street pulling strings. At UAL in Denver the options are there to find the fleet you like, training center and be home every night, or bounce around and dabble in different types of flying. We don’t have the same flexibility in our schedule and our trading/bidding has a little gamesmanship involved. Living in base is a no brainer.

And it will still be way before you get the 787 at WN!

If you stay on the NB, you'll make more money and have better QOL at SWA, but that's today. Dunno what will happen in 10 years.

What kind of better flexibility will you able to enjoy at UA compare to SWA?

ability to fly something other than a guppy… 35 years flying the same 2-4 legs a day… no thx.