Originally Posted by
Braniff DC8
Pax vs Cargo as has been said many times. Lots of nights at FDX but yes, more will be coming to SWA. The big thing you might want to keep in your mind, that many do not talk about, is the nasty stuff you will be flying at a cargo airline. Have a look at a notoc sometime and think about the UPS and Asiana (Not SFO)crashes. Not saying flying pax cannot pose a hazard but given a choice. Yes, upgrade at SWA is longer but a larger choice of bases perhaps. Also look at growth vs. retirements. I personally think SWA wins. Another one is always being in a terminal if you commute vs. always being at a cargo bldg. It's a pain in the arse. Just are just my two cents though.
1. Yes, lots of nights at FedEx. Not that many legs each night, but lots of nights, as opposed to the usually large number of legs at SWA.
2. Yes, the "nasty stuff" you'll be flying at FedEx, like 757's, 767's, Heavy Airbuses, Heavy MD-10's and 11's, Heavy 777's, as opposed to flying those little football shaped 737's for the entire rest of your career at SWA. Of course you can also fly some dangerous stuff at FedEx, like Horses, Whales, things that glow in the dark, but they're few and far between. And of course, flying with flight attendants does have it's obvious advantages, like having to wait for them to do their hair, makeup, etc, before the crew van takes you to the airport, 15 minutes late.
3. SWA does have a larger choice of bases, here within the US of A, but if you're interested in seeing the world, or living and flying outside the USA, you're sort of limited at SWA. Not so much with FedEX.
4. Growth and retirements. An interesting subject. Don't forget to look at stability.
5. Commuting to or from the "terminal" as opposed to from the "cargo ramp", can be an issue. After all, it could cost you 5 or 10 bucks. OMG! The horror of it all. Hopefully no one will make their determination of which place to go, based on this. But then again, who knows, in fairness, it is or can be an issue, if you've got no imagination.
If you have the chance to go to either FedEx or SWA, congratulations. You've done well for yourself. It's a confusing decision. If you want to be a real airline pilot, choose SouthWest. If you love to fly airplanes, to exciting, strange, and various places, perhaps FedEx might be a better fit. Regardless, good luck with your decision.
JJ