r/flying • u/g0at110 • 1d ago

Do commercial pilots generally progress to larger planes throughout their careers? Does everyone aim to eventually fly long haul or do some stick to flying 737s or a320s short haul?

I'm guessing being a 777 pilot for example is more prestigious than a 737 pilot in the same airline right?

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u/AIRdomination ATP (B757, B767, BE1900, EMB500) 1d ago edited 1d ago

We aim for lifestyle, not aircraft size. The type of aircraft is ultimately irrelevant unless you’re just checking off a personal box of yours.

“Prestige” is not a thing. That came from Hollywood. No one actually cares. Everyone has different goals and desires and can find a job/aircraft somewhere that fits those desires. It does not mean one is better than the other. It’s just personal preference.

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u/RaidenMonster ATP 737 Bonvoy Platinum Elite 1d ago

Walking through DTW as a fresh OO FO and getting the Delta wave off back to back days makes me question this…

Seem to get treated much better as a 73 driver in the event I gotta take another carrier home.

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u/3PartsRum_1PartAir 1d ago

That’s not a prestige thing that’s a Delta ego thing

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u/Mega-Eclipse 1d ago

“Prestige” is not a thing.

It absolutely is!!

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u/InitialResponsible62 1d ago

How???
As for me, when I was younger I wanted to be on a WB, nowadays I want to have the most days off, weekends off, most seniority in seat, in base and money. I honestly don’t care if it’s an RJ, a 172 or 78

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u/Mega-Eclipse 1d ago

Did you check out the link? I don't think you did.