IAD 737 vs 320 trips
 

Which one is junior and what does the growth look like for each of them? Also which one has better trips. Thanks

I would direct your attention about 10 threads down the page. The 320 vs 737 thread has a lot of info in it. :)

Better trips is subjective to each pilot. Average time per day is roughly the same for each. Both cover all three airports. Pretty much the only difference is that the 737 has taken over the Caribbean flying from the 320. But that doesn't mean the 320 couldn't do it in the future.

Right now the 737 is the "growth" aircraft in DC since it is a new base. The plan is for each fleet to be roughly the same size, so the 737 needs to grow to equal the 320's current size of roughly 130 F/O's. Based on the last vacancy bid, they are just about there. (90 vacancies advertised). However with senior pilots bidding off due to upgrades and base transfer, expect more vacancy bids on each going forward to maintain that ~130 pilot base number.

DC

I'm going into class September 1st and would like to ask someone who's been with United to let me know their opinion. I think I'm correct that if you have an IAD base, you are expected to cover 3 airports (IAD, DCA, and BWI). Is this true? And, for a commuter on reserve, what would you suggest as a crash pad location? What's the best way to manage this?

Quick and dirty response:

1. Yes you are expected to cover all 3 airports. IAD is busiest obviously, followed by DCA then BWI.

2. I would suggest a crash pad close to IAD and there are plenty posted on the bulletin board in the crew room. If you do not have a car, the metro will become your friend.

The metro can get you easily between IAD and DCA along with a bus. Worst case scenario is a cab. The metro and bus system will also get you to BWI, just going to take some time to get there. I've heard from 3-4 hours but haven't done that one personally. IAD-DCA is 1.5-2.5 hours depending on timing and about $10 total one way.

Yes you will need to cover all three airports.

Crash pad is an option or, if you are good at the aggressive pick up of trips, can just do a local hotel closest to your departure airport

Metro to Union Station then /Amtrak/Marc train to get you over to BWI from IAD. (Two hours +). MARC Train | Maryland Transit Administration

Metro to get you to DCA from IAD (plan 1- 1+30 being conservative)

Metro - Rider Tools - Trip Planner

DCA 737 is still small and as a result there is very little open time for reserves. Expect a lot of short call assignments. Unless you just love the insides of airports, a crash pad will be necessary.
What few trips come into open time are typically non-commutable: very early shows and late finishes in DCA and BWI. Public transit is not 24/7 to all airports. The good news is that Uber is now able to pick up from DCA and IAD (BWI unknown), and there are many deadheads built into trips, allowing for commutable deviation.
Just my experience in the first month operating DCA 737 reserve.