The three most important things in an airline career are seniority, seniority, and seniority. All airlines use a seniority system, which dictates your position, your airplane, and your pay. All airline pilots are considered equally qualified in a seniority-based system, as long as they pass the required training and check rides. Seniority prevents favoritism from interfering with a pilot’s career. There is a drawback for a pilot ranked #20 of 1000 pilots at airline A, who moves to airline B. He is placed at the bottom of airline B’s seniority list. Your experience travels with you, but your seniority does not. Two major things will move you up on the seniority list: new hires and retiring pilots. You’ll rise quickly if your airline expands and new hires are placed under you.