Originally Posted by
iahflyr
FedEx and UPS are not in the same industry as us. They are cargo airlines. Their revenue is tied to an entirely different source. Their competition is completely different. I can't just start Joe Blow Cargo with a few airplanes and expect to make money. There are major barriers to entry in the cargo industry, and very little barriers of entry in the airline industry. Like it or not, there is a ton more competition in the passenger airline industry, which is why we cannot ask for large salaries. We have to be competitive, or we loose are jobs.
I believe our industry is our similar peers (Delta, American, and US Air). You could make an argument for Southwest, but the realities of their industry (low cost passenger airlines) is different than ours.
They fly airplanes for a living - so do you. In fact, you fly the same sized airplanes. UFB.
On the Southwest side, how should a "low cost" carrier pilot make less than whatever you think we are. Seriously, you appear to be a complete management sycophant. Sh!t, 2nd year SWA F/O's make more than 12 year F/O's at UAL, and 8 year F/O's at SWA make more than 20+ year Captains on the 320 at UAl. This is acceptable to you? Are you f$%#&ng kidding me? Lunacy.
Scott