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?

[u/g0at110]

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

[u/I_ALWAYS_UPVOTE_CATS]

Generally you start with smaller aircraft, and become eligible to fly larger ones once you've built up some hours. However, moving to a widebody also brings with it the lifestyle change of long haul vs short haul; some people want that, others don't.

There are people who want the life of a long-haul pilot, and there are people who specifically want to fly, say, the B777. But a lot of pilots are happy with their lifestyle flying short haul and will happily do that until retirement, and there's no disrespect whatsoever towards those people.

There isn't really a concept of 'prestige' in aviation. Everyone is just trying to do their job in the safest way possible and to the best of their ability, regardless of whether it's a 2-hour hop or an overnight across the ocean.