From now on all SWA pilots must ride Delta jumpseats. If you see a SWA pilot walking down the hall, grab him and force him to ride your jumpseat and talk even if he wasn't commuting to where you're going or you leave a SWA jet without a pilot- that's a win-win. It'd be the greatest education our pilot group undergoes. The shock will be tremendous.

But I'm waiting for R-Day. The day AirTran pilots get their raises. Raise Day will be phenomenal. We'll need those guys to talk and brag and brag and brag. And the younger the AirTran pilot the better.

A 5th year 717 pilot, if they have any, making more than a 15 year MD88 A will not sit well for those who aren't paying attention out on the line.[/QUOTE]

FTB, it was very enlightening for me as well. He was very informative for both of us. Here are his demographics: he was a civilian with 15 years at prior ALPA carriers before going on to SWA, is 47 years old and has about six years to upgrade prior to the merged seniority list being created. He seemed to be very similar in seniority to a 2000-2001 hire at DAL as far as his background and career expectations. That's where the similarities end.

Outside of his probationary year, he has never made less than $115k/year. The past three years saw him between $135-155k/year. He averages 15 days a month off.

My Captain is a DPA supporter and I'm on the fence about it. We talked at length about his perceptions of SWAPA since he was a prior ALPA guy for 15 years. His response: couldn't be happier. He says their relationship with MGT is good, there is a very mutually goal oriented approach between the parties. He very much likes the fact that SWAPA only cares about their guys and has no other groups to contend with. His dues are lower and he says they are voracious with their Scope clause.

All in all it was very good to have him up front. I agree with you. I think at the very least you should engage them when they are asking for the J/S. Even if they ride in back, the few minutes at the gate would be very beneficial for all.