Originally Posted by
aupilot
I have been offered an interview with Delta. Currently I am a captain with Airtran in the top 1/3 of the senority list. I am having second thoughts about making the jump to Delta.
Usually, your instincts don't lead you astray.
Originally Posted by
aupilot
I have always wanted to fly international and that probably will never happen at AirTran, other than Canda, Mexico, and the Caribbean. I have calculated that I would lose around 700,000 dollars my first 10 years at Delta and then the next 15 years would make about the same amount that I am making at AirTran. I do not know if I can justify losing that money in order to fly a bigger airplane international.
I'm assuming you are using age 65. If not, you are 35 ... you were lucky early in your career. This is a very tough call, but you have to ask yourself where you want to finish. 700K is 700K. As children most of us wanted to fly to exotic, romantic destinations. Will you be able to do that at your current carrier?
With the movement at Delta, you don't know how long upgrade will take. I think 88 captain is 8-9 years, but that is certain to come down. Delta has very few retirements over the next four years, but the flood gates open wide in 2011 or 2016 if age 65 passes. Have you figured that into your calculations? I think it is safe to say your call is the MOTHER of all tough calls. Who knows, after Southwest staples you guys and completes the merge, you may buy us. You never know. Good luck.
Tom