Most pilots at the end of their careers expect to be captains, WB captains at that. Everything, including 401k contributions is calculated off that. You think a downgrade and 40% income hit at the very peak of their golden years isn't a big deal?

I don't find an age 67/68 give to people really caught out by this to be a massive loss. There will still be retirements from guys who are ready to go.

DAL has tons of young pilots with 25-30 years left. They're going to get their turn at a great career too. It's really disappointing how anxious they are to push the old pilots out the door.