Originally Posted by DownSideUp

Classic “grass is always greener” scenario.

Stay put at SW. There’s a reason you’ve been there for over 5 years.

Furthermore, “happy wife, happy life”. After 25 years, I’m still on wife 1.0 and that’s largely by listening (and respecting) her counsel.

Originally Posted by Swindler128

If I yellow wasn't getting bought out by blue and the potentials there I'd probably stay at younger 40s and in base. Thinking of leaving swa to me seems completely loco. Stay and chill man

Originally Posted by clearskys

I’m 5.5 years at SW, maybe upgrade in a year or less, 49, young family, drive to work and hold weekends off. In my previous jobs I’ve flown in Europe and SA and really miss it. I had a class date at UA in March but because of life issues couldn’t do it. UA surprised me and said that’s OK and my CJO was valid for a year. Wow that’s cool. I’m finally in a position where I can think about it again but understandably, it’s a hard important decision. So I’m asking you guys, the grand intellectual wisdom of the internet WWYD?

It’s a hard decision because I’m finally a point in my seniority where I can bid weekends off and I can drop some (not all trips) and try and pick up premium. I drive to work and my QOL is good. But it’s an illusion since when I upgrade I’ll have to commute to a junior base (I’m in very senior base now). But living in a base will allow me to pick up trips in base, so that’s good. After 5 years, we get three weeks of vacay and since we do traditional bidding, a week turns into 3 weeks. I usually end up picking something up because you don’t get paid for all the days that were dropped, but it’s liberating picking up on your own time.

If I were to go to UA initially I’d be getting a pay cut. In addition, I would be commuting as an FO, on 1st year FO pay making it even harder on the finances ( my wife is totally against it because of this) I would try to get an upgrade right away. But there is a reason why it’s so junior, QOL sucks. I’d be on reserve forever on a plane that I’m already flying and not only that it’s flying to mainly the same domestic places I’m flying to now. Longer trips (the longest SW trip is 4 days) I’m also not thrilled about PBS. I think I’m too old to be able to hold anything else (as a capt at least) that goes down to let’s say, Brazil.

Would you stay at SW with 5.5 seniority, upgrade around a year, and for now a good QOL, not taking a pay cut, and with hopefully a new contract around the corner (more$). But with mind numbing flying . Or leave to UA be at the bottom of the list, commute with 13-14 days off flying the same plane going to the same places (and sometimes the same hotels), making a bit less, PBS, with the only thing being different is having the opportunity later on (gambling the next recession doesn’t hit and I’m out on the street) to get into something that flys to interesting places. Is there something anyone can add, pro or con?

Thanks for reading and if you respond!

Originally Posted by sourdough44

I would have done it 3 years ago.

Originally Posted by Smooth at FL450

This. The ship has likely sailed for anyone considering giving up significant seniority. Should made the move years ago.

Originally Posted by Brickfire

Generally yes.

But if his SW plan is upgrade to commute to reserve … United might still make sense