Brickfire

Years isn’t the way to measure seniority.

Something like a third of the airline has been hired in the last 3 years.

John Carr

True. And although it’s GREAT to hold CA that quick, doesn’t matter if you’re ~16,000 and at the BOTTOM OF THE LIST in a downturn vs. where he is now at SW.

Exactly.

Before AA starting recalling, EVERY pilot (meaning, even the plug) was max’d out in the pay scale. Meaning, 12+ years “seniority”.

Which is really 12+ years longevity, NOT SENIORITY.

Andy

I can't count the number of times I've read people using that reasoning for not jumping ship. Granted, it's possibility, but it could be years before a downturn occurs and with all of the retirements, United would need pilots faster than LUV.

Smooth at FL450

tell that to the guys trying to come back who left SWA for FedEx!

John Carr

Youve been around longer and been through a lot more than the Grumbly Grumbler. Yet his words are more sage;

The ONLY correction I’d make to his statement is, youll know the day prior when the brake is set.

Spfh

Out of curiosity what makes you say the ship has sailed for someone looking to join UA now or even next year? With the expansion and pilot hiring projections of 2000 for at least the next few years. Someone joining now will likely be thousands from the bottom in a few years.

While I understand we’ve all been through a sh*t few decades, no one can predict the reality of the expansion and hiring projections in the same way no one can predict the next black swan. Right now it seemingly looks very good to join if it suits…even if it means giving up some seniority elsewhere. Is there something I’m missing?

Shrek

You got it right……some people are just sour MFrs and will never be happy.
You make the best decision with the information you have at the time. Right now UA looks like a really good spot to land.

LAXtoDEN

Because your hiring “projections” is nothing short than a massive bunch of BS. 28,000 by 2030 is what you got the clowns spewing in Kool-aid school.

As already mentioned, 1/3 of the seniority list hired in the last 3 years, YIKES. That’s 6,000 pilots who will bid WB CA before YOU. The one lackluster fact about Delta was the seniority # at retirement for even young new hires in their 20’s was not great, but now United’s is even worse than Delta. Conveniently the propaganda with United’s “projected” future hiring numbers in the high 20,000’s started right around the time that became an issue for future new hires.

I’m sure for at least the last 6 months the questions from many candidates at the United interview is how badly have they missed the wave. If SK today announced you’ll be flying Elon Musk’s rocket ships from SFO to the moon “projected” by 2035 you’d have the UA hype man spewing that garbage in the forums.

Spfh

So when will the hiring stop in your opinion? When the furloughing starts right? And when is that? Almost impossible to predict…which is my point. It might be 10 years and 5000 new hires away, it might be tomorrow.

I’m not one to buy into propaganda, but also try and avoid negativity for the sake of it.

SeamusTheHound

How old are your kids? If they are young enough that they’ll still be around the house for 10 more years, then I’d stay right where you are.

If they’re on the verge of going to college or are already out, I’d consider leaving.

Just 2¢