The Airbus FO in most bases goes more junior than the 737.

If I was a new hire today, I would bid the 320 if I wanted to be more senior quicker. I think it will stay that way for a while.

 

Exactly. In fact, that's actually my entire bid group 1.

Hopefully some more senior dudes will bid off the mighty new guppy and I can finally score some good flying.

 

Was the donkey really that bad?

 

Guppy=Sit in a closet with a noisy fan for up to 5.5 hours and maybe layover in HI or the Caribbean.

FiFi=Sit in a luxurious and quiet office for up to 5.5 hours and maybe layover in Canada or Mexico.

 

I can only speak to EWR 737 FO vs A320. I choose 737 because it's a much larger base in Newark, and I'm slightly more senior (~5%)- between those two factors I think I am much more likely to have PBS build me a bid group with whatever needs I have that month.

Another factor is that it seems the Airbus out of Newark has a lot of trips with 3 leg days, which I can't stand.

Airbus probably nicer work environment, agreed, but being able to be a part of family life with kids is much more important right now.

Probably all L-UA captains on A320, pretty good mix on 737 but probably more L-CAL. Doesn't make a difference to me which legacy group I fly with, so I can't imagine it would to a new hire either. Good guys and weirdos from each old airline.

Earplugs help a lot on the 737. I bet training is better on A320. Can't be any worse than the 737 program.

 

737 required equipment...noise cancelling headset.

 

Any suggestions which one?

 

Got the Bose A20 on EBay for almost half off. Love it!

 

There are several options but whatever you do make sure it is TSO'd as that is a FAA/FOM requirement.

Personally, I went with the David Clark DC-X.

 

We will be living north of Philly...so my intention is to bid reserve for a bit as we have a new little one. With that type of life in mind...does the seniority ability on either A/C play in to a decision as much?