Originally Posted by Vernon Demerest

While it is hard not to look at today’s financials when comparison shopping prospective airlines, I consider it shortsighted. AA isn’t going anywhere. They might be sitting on the bottom of the three network carriers by most metrics today but could very well be on top in 5 years. I look at the three legacies like buying a stock. Lots of things to look for in the fundamentals. In that regard, I think AA would be considered a great buy. Tons of movement in the next 10 years and bases in as many desirable locations as UA. I’m saying this as a UAL captain. Go with the carrier that hires you first. In your first year, should you get an offer by the other and really feel it would be the better option for personal reasons, jump. After a year, stick it out where you are and ride the wave. Look back every 5 years (if you must) but the real answer will come a year from retirement (the answer to “was this a good choice?” Question we all ask ourselves). Best of luck. I wish I was 25 years old today!(although I’ve had an incredibly lucky ride given my timing).