So, my better half and I have discussed moving.. and while we will not live in a UPS domicile.. unless one open in the NE.. we think living near to PHL would be good for either AA or PHL.. I have been told PHL is like a mini domicile and the commute is very very doable.
As a new hire.. and with only single seat mil experience I am pretty sure it’s 75/6 or airbus for me.. any insight into when I could hold international?.. if not off the bat. Being in my late 30s.. I think I might be picking lower on selection day .

 

With the 74 in SDF now, It is likely (depending on the lines on the 74) that there will be plenty of Z (intl SDF 75/76 domicile) spots every bid. Even with a reduction in the number of Z FOs this last bid it went pretty junior. I would guess your first or second system bid - 6-12 months (or less depending on your timing). You are correct about PHL - great location for a commuter, especially a Z commuter. (Note - if you get Airbus you have an 18 month seat lock. Bright side is you will certainly be able to hold Z after that...)

 

I’m currently at the 1.5 year mark and have been commuting from PHL the whole time. It’s super easy to get to SDF. Most days there are around 8 directs to and from. Sunday’s and Monday’s are generally speaking pretty light on flights, if any at all. However, AA has at least 3 directs as well (early AM, midday, late afternoon), so parking on the UPS side then grabbing a Lyft to the terminal is an option.
As far as a mini domicile, you’re not far off. The Z goes through here a lot on their way to and from Europe and some of their trips will start/end with a commercial so that will kill a day or two off your line since you’d just drive in. The Bus, 75/76, MD and 74 (usually a release to the line check, but the last two bid packets have had it as a layover) also come through as well. So you could end up spending some more time at home during a trip no matter what you get.
As far as international, it depends. There’s an 18 month seat lock from date of hire, so if you got the Bus, you’re waiting. If you get the 75/76, it’s a lateral move to the Z, so the seat lock doesn’t apply and you’d be able to try and get it during the next system bid. Since you’d already be typed you’d just need to do some navigation classes and then be done. Do realize that the Z is pretty senior and your ability to hold the trips I noted above are going to be pretty slim...instead you’re probably going to be doing a lot of domestic flying.

 

Just to clarify, the Z domicile is more senior than domestic. The “desirable” trips/lines that start with a deadhead to PHL are mostly international trips, they go very senior. It will take a new guy a couple of years to hold those lines, if not longer.

 

PHL-SDF is an easy commute.

18 month equipment lock as a newhire, but you can transfer domiciles on similar equipment as soon as your seniority allows. There are no SDFZ FO positions available after this recent bid closure, so if you wanted SDFZ, 757 SDF would be the most ideal newhire assignment. Even if you get the Airbus, I'd think within 2 years you could be on an international fleet.

Honestly, if you desire living near PHL and also have a CJO from American that'd be a worth exploring by asking questions about PHL schedules and progression in the American subforum.

Good problem to have, I suppose...

 

What travel agreements does UPS have with PX carriers?.. zed fares?.. does that extend to family .I would only use it internationally .. anyone have experience doing that?

 

You personally can jumpseat with just about anybody. After 6 months you are eligible for ZED fares - immediate family and one set of parents. Retired parents use them for Southwest quite a bit without any trouble. We have an agreement with Delta and Lufthansa as well, but we have never used it for international travel...and the Delta agreement does not extend to your parents (each airline has different rules and fare levels). Several other airline agreements exist, but they tend to serve very specific markets (inter Alaska, South America, etc....airlines I have never even heard of). Bottom line - they exist and if you time it right and are flexible they will probably work for your immediate family (International), but I wouldn’t bank my family vacation on it.

 

Everything you want to know about our schedules.

https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/ups/111442-first-year-pay-15.html

 

Delta and Lufthansa ZEDs work great internationally, immediate family only. SWA is a fee per leg - note: sometimes it’s not much more expensive buying a ticket, eg. a round trip with 2 legs each way. Honestly though, build up miles with a carrier and use those to get around or buy tickets. So much better on all accounts.

 

After indoc.. what are the possible training locations... and is per diem paid during training?