I have to assume that your comment is implying that because SWA has a long upgrade time that a person is better off going to another airline where Captain upgrade can be attained sooner. I honestly don't get that mentality. Someone please explain it to me.

As for me my priorities for an airline job are job stability, total pay, and work rules/flexibility. A 5th year FO at SWA can easily make as much as a United/Continental 737 Captain and a 10th year SWA F/O will earn what a Delta 737 Captain makes. I guess my point is that in my mind comparing upgrade times is a useless measurement. Instead, compare total pay expectations at the 5 yr, 10yr, 15 yr points when comparing airlines regardless of what seat you'll be in. As for me I'll take the 20 yr upgrade if I make the same or more money, have more time off and better job stability than going for the quickest Captain upgrade. Unless of course you're the type of guy that needs an ego boost by being "THE CAPTAIN".