Its a long upgrade at Southwest now--probably for about 30%-40% of the total new pilot group. I'd hazard no less than 15 years and easily could push to 20 years. This is my third airline experience inside of 5 years (all 121 major level). Without doubt, it is the strongest, best opportunity that I've been afforded. F/O pay is, of course, highly competitive in the market. The excellent retirement 401k makes the time-value of F/O money, earned today, go much farther because of the strong match and quality payrates. The current pilot bidding/scheduling system has incredible freedom (heads above what I experienced before). The basing system covers the country ( 3 West, 1 Future Mountain, 3 Central, 2 East). New-hires this year, I believe, have held every base except for DAL.

In 8 years, I might be an 75-80% F/O. In 16 years, if growth and stability returns to airline work (ha!), I might be 50% and able to be a junior captain in my mid-fifties. 8 years ago, I drew down on islamist and baathist insurgents during house to house action in Fallujah. An upgrade is not always a Captaincy.

I'm not a rah! rah! type, but life has afforded me, through some difficult circumstances, some pragmatism and perspective. Of course, perspective is subjective to individual. Right now, my perspective is that SWA has fun flying and is a very strong employer. I would undoubtedly consider SWA again if I were seeking pilot employment at the top 121 and cargo carriers.