Assuming you are given the choice between the two, you just won't know until you are ready for retirement. Those of us who were hired 20 years ago selected our respective carriers based on the best available current information. External and internal forces entirely out of your control will determine whether your decision is the right one.

20 Years ago, FDX and SWA were not the "golden" choices. In many cases, UAL, AA, DAL were the preferred jobs. Now times have changed. You are being asked to make a decision that you won't know the ultimate results until 20 years from now.

My advice if you are given the choice would be FDX. The captial cost of entry into the cargo/box business is prohibitive. Fedex seems to be able to pass along it's costs with great success and the growth potential is huge. Because the cost of entry into the passenger business is so low, every Tom, Dick and Harry with an airplane is a potential drag on the bottom line. While SWA may be successful for the next few years, given the uncertainties of the passenger side, it may change suddenly.

That's my 2 cents.

I made my decision 20 years ago. Go figure.