Excellent point. Unfortunately, perception equals reality for those looking to enter today's frenzied Job market and many of those applying have no idea of the history of this fickle business. Granted, Southwest has never furloughed a pilot, but given recent events, past performance is no indication of present or future decisions. Gary is no herb and probably will not hesitate to lay off pilots in order to hedge against financial losses. Wall Street calls the shots these days. If anything, given today's climate, pilots are more likely to get laid off at Southwest then the majors, where a new pilot will move up the seniority list much faster due to retirements. Gary Kelly has been pummeled lately by Wall Street for failing to constrain seat capacity. That could happen soon, along with the retirement of the classic fleet, which without retirements, could likely result in stagnation at the bottom. JMO

Southwest was once among my top choices. Recent changes have pushed them down below my top five list and I am willing to wait at my current airline until my phone rings for one of those top five. No sense starting somewhere only to leave a year later to
start all over. With the acceleration of hiring everywhere, it's only a matter of time

It's anyone's guess which way is the right way to go, and only on your retirement day will you be sure you made the right move.