Never intended that to be a dig on UAL. Sorry that I came across that way. UAL was a place I would have loved to have landed my second career. I have many friends who recently have. Did not mean to come across as gloating or hypocritical.

BTW, if you knew the story behind my friend, his "professional" nature wouldn't even be a discussion item. His comment, which surprised me and why I referenced it, related to the relative harmony between the labor groups and management. The corporation is, in his estimation, a team working toward common goals...together. It sounds like that's not very common in the industry and has strategic consequences...that's all.

Getting to know the two guys sent away from my group, and how high caliber they were is the reason for my deduction that Delta is looking for something more that being a good dude and a good pilot. I do not pretend to know the secret. All I know is, the DAL interview was tough. It took me a lot of work to be ready. From what I saw, even that might not be enough.

Glad I made it.