The problem with this industry is its cyclical nature. Right now, UPS/FDX are considered at the top, but there was a time when DHL paid their pilots better than those two.

I've flown with several here who started at UPS or went there during a furlough and to come back. At the time, it looked like the right decision. Do they regret it now? Some yes, because they'd be further ahead financially. Some no, because the type of flying and QOL.

For the last 10 years or so, Southwest has enjoyed that same exulted status but I believe that their day in the sun is waning. Ten years from now, we'll probably talk about JetBlue in the same way we talk about Southwest today.

I also know of pilots who were hired here and then jumped ship to go to UA or AA. At the time, those were the companies to be at. However, almost every one of them would be have been better off (financially and seniority wise) if they had stayed at DAL.

I'm glad to be at DAL. Of the legacies remaining, I have the highest hopes that our company will emerge the best and the strongest. That doesn't mean I think things are perfect. Far from it. But looking at where things are at and the way things are trending, DAL is the place for me.