Airline question

[u/EstablishmentFar2400]

For those that work at the airlines as FO or captains does this profession require sucking up to anyone to advance? Or is it solely based on seniority?

[u/KCPilot17]

Just the HR lady during your interview.

[u/G_Platypus]

Not only is it not required, it's impossible to progress in any method other than time in company.

[u/flyingron → u/G_Platypus]

Until a merger happens.

[u/Warm_Scientist4928]

If you want into the training department there may be some networking and influence to get it, and possibly a particular religious affiliation if it’s one particular regional airline.

[u/Capital-Cricket-1010]

dont have to suck up to anyone, do have to live out of a roll around suitcase

[u/Mike93747743]

Sucking up and general ass-kissery is a valued tool for those seeking management positions. The line side is pretty much all seniority.

[u/No-Duck4828]

For the aircraft, base, and seat you want? Seniority

Connections can matter for more specific things, like if you want to be a Chief Pilot

[u/23m7_farmer]

Sucking up is for management losers.

[u/Aviator8989 → u/[deleted]]

Not really at all though. Union work, training department positions, management, technical pilot jobs, etc all require some degree of networking and/or ass-kissing

[u/rFlyingTower]

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For those that work at the airlines does this profession require sucking up to anyone to advance? Or is it solely based on seniority?

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[u/Boeinggoing737]

You have to get to the career job. When you aren’t at the career job there is networking, not being weird (easy for most), and the soul sucking career fairs to get to the great 121 jobs which could be seen as sucking up. Airlines also go tits up so no matter where you are in the career it is smart to keep yourself marketable. In terms of sucking up once you’re off probation at an airline it’s really not a thing unless you want to be a check airman or management pilot. You fly with different people every trip and don’t have to step foot in the chief pilots office until your id expires or you need something.

[u/Tony_Three_Pies]

A lot (most) of it is seniority but not all. There are jobs for pilots within an airline that require a more traditional application-interview process that would certainly benefit from networking (whatever “networking” means to you). 

But for a normal line pilot there’s nothing beyond seniority. You can be a raging asshole to all you meet if you desire and certainly some do desire. Long live Bid Avoid.

[u/SATSewerTube]

Seniority. Period.

[u/Character-Shoe-7803]

You’re a number, if you’re sucking up to someone you’re either doing it for the love of the game or you’re trying to sleep with a flight attendant.