Pay is only part of the equation. If a newbie had the chance to go to any of the 3 (UA, DL, AA), I'd say DL has shown itself to be the most successful in terms of growth and actually competing in the marketplace, and seems to be a relatively happy place to work.

AA has a tough road ahead in executing the merger, and the workplace environment, once the glee of the approval fades, will be horrendous for a long time.