Tough choice. Great problem to have.

When I retired from the military, I was flying at times all over the clock, and it was wearing me out. This was throughout my 40s.

Now that I'm domestic/Delta, I realized about a year ago how much I prefer flying during the day, with very few late nights or early mornings. And I realized just how much the previous flying hurt. I didn't really realize it until I was living a different life. I think it has turned out to be healthier for me.

I read somewhere FedEx, on average, only pays pensions for a few years because people don't live long past retirement. I don't know if that's legend or true, but I do know the FedEx and UPS pilots I've had on the jumpseat look much older than they are.

I think your movement at Delta will be faster. We have more pilots and more retirements coming up; even percentage-wise I think you'll move up faster at Delta. No doubt the pay is less, but QOL has value too. It's a choice you'll have to make.

I was almost off probation at Delta when FedEx finally called me to finish the interview process I had started almost 2.5 years prior. It was the hardest "thanks but no thanks" call I've had to make.

Good luck deciding and let us know which way you go...

(Now go buy a PowerBall ticket. Seriously.)