WN or UA in Denver
 

I know this has been asked before but I couldn’t find a specific one for Denver. If I was MCO Based like the other thread I think it would be much different.

I start training with WN soon. Currently at OO.

UA had been my #1 choice for a while but after being served some pretty good coolaid during my interview I’ve started to reconsider how much effort I keep putting into United.

live just south of DEN and don’t necessarily have training center dreams. Obviously UA dominates in Denver. However, because of OO I’ve been unable to secure a CJO

Heading to NGPA next week but I’m tired of spending hundreds to wait in line to for a 5 minute chat where they tell me to just keep flying. Meanwhile spirit FOs with 0 121 PIC time are getting scooped up. It’s left a real sour taste in my mouth unfortunately.

With all that said it could very well take years to return to DEN at WN due to the displacements. At what point do I give on UA? Just over 30 years left if that helps.

Widebody would be cool but I don’t necessarily want that life style. I’m not a fan of constant circadian disruption and I really like the AM/PM consistency the WN offers.

My goals are:
Stay in Denver and not commute and
max time off

DEN is somewhat junior at UA, just not as junior as it went a couple years ago, so no more unfilled Captain assignments. We are still seeing significant unfilled FO assignments on the Airbus, so those can be given to new hires if the company wants. We have had a smaller number of 737 FO assignments go unfilled, but still a few.

If you want to stay in Denver, I would say it is a no brainer to come to UA (assuming you can get a CJO now that OO will be behind you), but then again in 2016 it was a no brainer to go to WN if you wanted Denver and look what that got those folks!!

Even if you don't want to work at the training center, having it in Denver creates opportunities and movement for folks in Denver that the flying alone doesn't provide. Plus when instructors go out to fly they displace pilots off their trips, so you can get some quality time at home while still being paid (or double dip)

We have about 1950 pilots based in DEN on the 787/756/737/320 and I would guess over a thousand more at the training center

well with those goals you might as well stay at southwest. Although you would probably get more time off on the widebody at United eventually.

I’d keep trying for United. Once you update your app with a new employer and new type I would be surprised if United didn’t call. Southwest and the other low cost carriers are great stepping stones to a legacy especially if you don’t have any TPIC.

What is your real motivation for posting. Once you figure that out you will have your answer.

My assumption is you are looking for others to tell you its okay to pull back on the throttle back and coddle you that you wont ever get FOMO about not keeping up with UA.

Otherwise your heart knows the answer but you are afraid of rejection and are looking at simply not trying to avoid that rejection that may never occur. Both of the above are wastes of not only your time but anyone willing to give advice. Make a decision either step up and put in the effort that is required to be in the majors of your choice or don't. If you don't accept it and be happy with your choice.

I've stopped for the most part pushing my military squadron mates to get their apps/interview prep/etc done, because anyone who knows better understands they need to put in hard work and investment, so they maximize their choices/chances to get picked up. The rest are lazy and assume that all of us hired during the last wave were "lucky" simply because they didn't directly see that basically everyone was busting their ass to get their stuff squared away and in a timely manner.

I think my motivation for posting is that United is no longer my #1 choice. I guess I didn’t make that clear. But after talking with SWA pilots and getting hired here I’m beyond stoked and am looking forward to my time. More of am I crazy for pulling back? I think I’m going to love Southwest. But, yes I do have FOMO

I’m sure the Southwest pilots are very fine people. The thing is they’ve flown Guppies their entire career. In some regards Southwest is like living in North Korea. You’re numb to the beatings every day and really don’t understand how good it is (flying widebodies) on the other side.

Am I wrong? Don't you get blocked from United for a year after leaving Skywest, or is that bad info? There's a big difference between leaving Southwest at the start of your stint there year compared to a year later.

I think that’s only if you’re already in Aviate, etc.

but I agree. Big difference. Once I’m on property I think I’m staying

Ah, well thats a harder question because most pilots are generally happy where they are. That said every time I talk to my SWA squadmates I say a prayer that United called first as I very nearly ended up at SWA myself. Flying Airbus I would never go 737 in my life, I dont mind 75/78 or 777, but 737 can lick my salty taint.

There are a number of other QoL items that I much prefer here, with the only thing SWA having is perhaps more flexibility in trip trading due to every one being same equipment. But that is vastly outsized by seniority progression at EVERY other carrier as well as all the other things I eluded to. But thats my 2 cents.

You would be stupid to not take the CJO with WN, so if you are committed to them once on property, what is the point of this thread?
My suggestion would be go WN, keep your app updated with united and if/when they offer a CJO, then make the decision.