Originally Posted by
Mookie
hope you enjoy the wait for WN...just talked to a good friend who is an fo there and there are 500 in the pool accrdng to OAK chief pilot, and it's going to be a good long wait for class. right now guys are interviewing at AS and getting class dates less than a month later, AND don't have to purchase a type rating for it. but hey, if you got the $6-8000 burning a hole in your pocket, then more power to ya.
long term, think about the long upgrade there (at least 10years) and type of flying. right now it's 8 years here, but sure to come down as we accelerate retirements, and get new 737800's. remember we didn't hire for 3.5 years, so those 8 years upgrades will hopefully go down to 5 soon. I'm sure it's going to be a great place at WN, but I wouldn't dismiss AS just yet. everyone gets their day to be the flavor of the month, and it sounds like next year may be ours.
Mookie
The upgrade here is 5.5 to 6 years now, but will certainly change with the Age 65 Rule, which will impact all airlines and we will have the 8-10 year upgrade just like AS. I think all the airlines upgrade time will be inline based on retirements and growth. Pay is the other factor to consider while sitting in the left seat. In either case, both are good choices. With the number of guys in the pool now, about 430, you'll swim for about 6-7 months after the Aug DB.