kevin_p

I'm in the pool (mid-Sept interview) and should start class in the next few months. I live in the Dallas area, so assuming I have a choice of aircraft/bases, does anyone have any advice as to which aircraft to bid to give myself the best chance of a good QOL from Dallas as soon as possible? I know the S80s are going to be in DFW until the end, but the shrinking fleet makes me a little uncertain. Is it still the best choice or would the Airbus or 737 be a better bet since they are growing fleets?

If I end up having to commute to MIA or LGA temporarily, how's the commute? Would one be significantly better than the other from Dallas?

I also realize there's a decent chance of being assigned to the US Airways side, so any advice for ways for a DFW guy to maximize QOL on that side would be appreciated as well.

Thanks!

TrakTrak

When you pick your airplane, you can only choose from what's offered. So far, the only choice that has been offered in DFW is the 80. However, I believe the last couple classes were MIA, ORD, and LGA. No matter how you look at it, commuting sucks. It's not the end of the world, but it still blows.

So, if you want to stay in DFW and the 80 is offered, I'd choose that (and I did). No need to really be concerned w/the jet going away. You'll just have to go to something else like the rest of us. I don't mind because QOL is what I'm after. If I can help it, the only way that I leave DFW is through displacement. Last nights LAS turn was switched to a 73, so instead of getting home closer to midnight, I was home (Coppell) at 330 after one leg from the hotel-- in AUS.

Pick what ever you want or think is best, but I've been having a blast on the 80.

Trak

QuagmireGiggity

If you do have to commute to NY or MIA it's a much easier commute to NY.
Tougher in the summer but a lot easier than Miami.

RhinoBallAuto

What other equipment is domiciled in DFW? How long might one expect to be on the 80 before moving to another seat?

satpak77

(NOT an AA person) but I want to say the 777 is

Sliceback

Every type is based in DFW. Only base so far that has the 787.

320 and 737 are about 400-500 numbers more senior than the S80. Assuming there's openings that's about 7-11 months based on 2015 hiring numbers.

But it's not linear. If there's no movement in a base, or fleet, it could take months or years for the next openings. Granted with retirements approaching 200+ at LAA this year alone and increaseing every year there will be some movement at probably at every base. But will it come down to seniority X? That's the unknown and why you sometimes have to roll the dice and accept a less than perfect assignment now because the next opportunity might be weeks or months away. The industry is full of stories about guys that decide to wait before bidding or upgrading and 'things change' and the next opportunity occurs 3-7 years later.

viper548

Airbus in MIA is the fastest way to a line. It is just as junior as the 737 in DFW, so I'd suggest if you can't get S80 DFW out of training I'd suggest MIA 320 so you could at least hold a line until you get DFW in the 320. Line holder 320 DFW is 500 numbers junior to the bottom 737 line holder. There are 2014 hires in the S80 in ORD and LAX, so taking those if offered and getting a base transfer to DFW is a good possibility. No seat lock staying with the same fleet. 6 month lock and you can be withheld from training for 1 year when switching aircraft.

kevin_p

Great info guys. Thanks!

Firefly899

What are the chances of getting the 320 MIA out of training? AA out of MIA is truly what I want for many reasons.

Samuelson

The most recent class was 10 out of 17 going to A320 MIA (International)