Plenty of great situations or circumstances to leave the airline industry and then return. Have your ducks in a row when answering questions regarding such matters. Gaps from service or recency of experience draws some attention and can be a show stopper at times. Overall, these are just hurdles that can be overcome by the previous advice given. Not too long ago a friend of mine had a considerable gap from the airlines and had to return to the regionals (again) for a short period before being hired back into the airline industry. Wasn’t picked up by his top choices, but SWA got a hold of him and he’s doing well.