Originally Posted by
hockeypilot44
Does it hurt your feelings that a 737 domestic captain at Southwest makes more money than you do flying a 767 internationally?
Nope. I never depended on Delta for my retirement even when we had a DB plan. It was obvious even to me (with the help of ex-Western pilots) that it was a house of cards, so I budgeted and saved accordingly. Besides, I'm not that shallow.
Originally Posted by
hockeypilot44
If I would have went to Southwest at my hire date here, I would have been much better off. I would be making what our MD-88 captains make, and I would be a solid line holder at almost any base Southwest has. Unfortunately, I couldn't justify buying a type for a shot at a job. Here I'm an MD-88 first officer making less than second year Southwest first officers going more than 4 years on reserve with at least another 3 in my future. Those are the facts. I don't know whether leaving for Southwest now or staying is better for me especially with the Airtran merger. I do know that there hasn't been anyone quit Southwest for Delta in 10 years while we lost new hires a year and a half ago to Southwest. I am going to wait until our next contract. I'm going to try and bid to the 737 to get the type. If the contract is unacceptable to me, it will be time to seriously try and get on at Southwest. I'm tired of our low standards over here with regards to everything (regional jets, ALPA, pay, reserves getting paid less than lineholders, low vacation credit, low training pay, harassing sick calls, etc.).
Good for you. I hope you are happy with your decision. You'll be much more happy in the coming stagnation over at SWA I am sure.