Originally Posted by
TWA Fan 1
The number-one factor that determines flying the big planes is seniority.
Many more senior pilots (but not all) like flying the big planes, as hughw wrote, because they can do fewer (longer) trips a month. Some more senior pilots, though, prefer a larger number of shorter trips, often so they can be closer to home.
Finally, a lot of it depends on the way the fleet changes over time. Once, I sat next to a CO pilot deadheading and he told me that, although he was currently a 737 captain, he used to fly the 747's (as a FO).
Originally Posted by
pptp
For pilots (but not FA's), more seats equal better pay. Also, factors include: where you want to be based (certain ac are more prevalent at certain bases), type of flying and seniority. You may be a senior FO and be able to get the schedule you want but if you go to the left seat, you would be a junior captain. Or you might be senior on the 73 but junior on the 75.
Lots of different variable that everyone prioritizes differently.
A good friend is a FO for UA. Prior to 9/11 he flew translant 767s as a FO and then essentially got pushed back to being an Airbus FO as the airline shrank. In the interim his life has changed (married, kids, home ownership, etc.) so now, by choice, he is a VERY senior Airbus FO.
He could have moved up to larger aircraft or to captain on the Airbus or another aircraft but he chooses not to. He really values being able to essentially fly when and where he wants to. He could make make more money but he'd have much less control over his life and schedule and he'd away from home for longer periods.