UA vs SW for MCO
10-06-2025 | 06:51 PM
#171
On Reserve
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 53
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Going to piggyback off this topic for some valued opinions. I am extremely fortunate to have a CJO from WN and UA, both of which currently have bases that I would have to commute to.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
10-06-2025 | 08:09 PM
#172
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,142
Likes: 133
Going to piggyback off this topic for some valued opinions. I am extremely fortunate to have a CJO from WN and UA, both of which currently have bases that I would have to commute to.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
That said, UA > SW any day of the week
10-07-2025 | 02:54 AM
#173
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 78
Going to piggyback off this topic for some valued opinions. I am extremely fortunate to have a CJO from WN and UA, both of which currently have bases that I would have to commute to.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
10-07-2025 | 06:46 AM
#174
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 276
Going to piggyback off this topic for some valued opinions. I am extremely fortunate to have a CJO from WN and UA, both of which currently have bases that I would have to commute to.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
10-07-2025 | 07:52 AM
#175
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Joined: Mar 2018
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Likes: 144
Supposedly the new base is going to be announced within the next couple weeks. Then at least you’d know for sure where it is compared to where you live. I hate commuting and would gladly give up WB to drive to work do the rest of my career. I could cry about it when I’m cashing dump trucks full of cash every month….ability to manipulate your schedule is way better at WN and if you choose to…you can make a mint living in base.
For the OP, however, if someone opens a base in a place that you currently live or want to live, it is a no-brainer, even if it takes a decade to upgrade.
10-07-2025 | 10:51 AM
#176
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,622
Likes: 276
I’m sure it is there, just different. I just know that as a jr in seat guy on rsv, I can fly 40-50 hrs for a rsv month and credit over 160. Looks terrible on paper but I’ll spend 15-20+ nights at home. Can’t do that if you commute and like your family. No idea what the OT market looks like on the WB, but long call would be great if you’ve got the seniority to avoid being called in.
10-08-2025 | 03:56 PM
#177
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Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 414
Likes: 8
Going to piggyback off this topic for some valued opinions. I am extremely fortunate to have a CJO from WN and UA, both of which currently have bases that I would have to commute to.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
Was leaning heavily towards UA due to the WB flying mainly for the schedules, but now there’s a strong rumor going around that WN may possibly open a base where I live, which has definitely made the decision harder.
On one hand I like the flexibility of having NB and WB fleets, provides variety and good seniority movement, UA hiring 2000+ next year is also significant. But then on the other hand, the chance to drive to work instead of commute and deal with crash pads is a huge bonus too, even if it means being restricted to one type of flying for the rest of my career.
How soon do you have to make a decision? I would get started with United if you can and then switch to SWA as soon as word comes out about where we are headed base wise…also the whole idea of being 1 type forever at SWA is so old news now. We are getting another type. That has already been publicly said. Just don’t know yet what that is gonna be so don’t even let the old news factor into your decision.
10-08-2025 | 04:33 PM
#178
On Reserve
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 53
Likes: 5
How soon do you have to make a decision? I would get started with United if you can and then switch to SWA as soon as word comes out about where we are headed base wise…also the whole idea of being 1 type forever at SWA is so old news now. We are getting another type. That has already been publicly said. Just don’t know yet what that is gonna be so don’t even let the old news factor into your decision.
The single type isn’t a big deal for me, I’ve been able to fly different types at a previous airline, it’s the relative seniority progression that multiple fleets can facilitate along with the option to pick LH or SH, but ultimately it’s about being home with the family as much as possible.
I appreciate everyone’s input, and I’m not oblivious to the fact I’m in a lucky position to be able to make a choice.
12-13-2025 | 05:28 AM
#179
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2025
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Appreciate all the responses in this thread. Update, I have class dates at similar times for both Southwest and United. One of the SWA interview groups were told they are expecting to hire 600+ after q1. United is making a ton of money and are projecting 2000+ hires in 2026 alone. MCO CA seems super senior for both. My main concern is there is no timeline to get MCO based with UA and it seems that base has shrunk slightly since opening. We (my wife) don't like any of the other bases for UA unfortunately so we'd be commuting for any widebody options. At southwest, MCO seems very junior, and new hires could likely get there quickly (although may have to do a short stint in Austin first with that base opening up). Besides that, premium options/schedule flexibility seems limited out of Orlando with UA compared to Southwest. Are UA profits/momentum, record hiring & seniority progression worth commuting for indefinitely or should living in base and schedule flexibility be the deciding factor? TIA
12-13-2025 | 07:24 AM
#180
A321
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 238
Likes: 31
Appreciate all the responses in this thread. Update, I have class dates at similar times for both Southwest and United. One of the SWA interview groups were told they are expecting to hire 600+ after q1. United is making a ton of money and are projecting 2000+ hires in 2026 alone. MCO CA seems super senior for both. My main concern is there is no timeline to get MCO based with UA and it seems that base has shrunk slightly since opening. We (my wife) don't like any of the other bases for UA unfortunately so we'd be commuting for any widebody options. At southwest, MCO seems very junior, and new hires could likely get there quickly (although may have to do a short stint in Austin first with that base opening up). Besides that, premium options/schedule flexibility seems limited out of Orlando with UA compared to Southwest. Are UA profits/momentum, record hiring & seniority progression worth commuting for indefinitely or should living in base and schedule flexibility be the deciding factor? TIA
