Originally Posted by ebl14

If someone fits management's target demographic they basically can get an interview at will. When I met a recruiter (and was basically offered a job on the spot) they told me they are looking for guys with a few years at a regional, maybe just upgraded or has been a captain less than a year. You answered your own question re: your well qualified buddy. He already went to southwest, which they probably figured he would do if they hired him. So, if you are not quite up to competitive mins for the legacies (or have no degree etc...) you can basically interview at G4 whenever you're ready. If you are competitive, you better figure out how to convince them that you want to be there for the long haul, and quick.