Originally Posted by JDFlyer

PAL?? Really? Whatever . . . .

Yeah, you are incorrect. As a second year FO, I got stapled behind every single AirTran FO EXCEPT for any new hire Airtran FO since the date of announcement. I lost 600 and some seniority numbers. Almost 4 years ago I was one week away from a class date at SWA when they called and said "stand-by" things are being put on hold. So yeah, I took any regional job I could, built my 121 Jet/Glass PIC, borrowed the money and paid for my 737 type rating, and applied like everybody else. Guess what SWA hired me.

Treading poolie water meant nothing. So be it. The only SWA pilots who were not Captains some where else are the AirTran FOs. So be it. I am now looking at a 19 year upgrade - assuming no growth. So be it.

To me, the past is the past and it just does not matter. I don't care. My personal happiness today and tomorrow are not dependent on wallowing in the miseries of yesterday.

Every day I get to fly a SWA 737 for a living is a privilege, NOT an entitlement. Guess what? I have felt this way about every job I have ever had since I become a responsible, mature adult.

So, Mr. Whack here is what I really have to say to you and any other AirTran pilot reading this. (I don't and obviously can't speak for all SWA Pilots, but I am sure most will agree with me) You are welcome to join us a SWA with open arms. We are very glad to join our two teams. If you bring a good attitude, a willingness to learn how SWA gets the job done, and a spirit of enthusiasm and hard work ethic . . . . . then I will be glad to buy you any beverage of your choice, on our overnights, I will probably even offer to buy your dinner as well. I will take the time out of my day to help you learn our bidding system, the ins and outs and how to make your quality of life better. I will bend over backwards to help in anyway I can to make your work day go a little smoother when you are having a bad day. Etc. etc. etc.

But if you show up with an attitude of entitlement, poor work ethic, griping about what your are owed, a self-centered, me-me-me outlook on life. Then you can kiss my behind. And for a variety of reasons, my prediction is you will not be an employee of SWA very long. I get it, your cheese was moved. I encourage you to look at that as an opportunity and not a liability.

If don't like your career path so far, then change it. Please, go work somewhere else, go fly for somebody else. Go start your own airline, then you can make your own seniority rules, your own compensation rules, your own everything rules.

The great thing about this country is that each and every one of us is FREE to pursue what ever work path we want, wherever we want. Your life is what YOU make of it, NOT what somebody owes you.

Just please stop urinating in the SWA water. We work very hard everyday, to keep it clean. Go figure, our customers like it that way. They are the only reason why I have a paycheck.