Originally Posted by OscartheGrouch
av8instyle,
I agree with CargoBob that there might be some other reasons why your friend left SWA. That being said it is very admirable that he would make the move for his wife's health. I even pointed out that the a spouse should be considered in the decision and it sounds like she was. Well thought out in my opinion.
The fact that he could be flying half of a captains line (and many do) for Southwest and make more $ at current rates than a 5-6 yr FO at Alaska and commute seems desirable to some. It is not all about the money and commuting does have its negatives which I have done for 13 out of 16 yrs. but living where you want and then being able to adjust your schedule for your family is also a plus.
While your friend's story will make us all feel good I am still waiting on a SWA-other scenario that has a happy ending. The question could also be whether there ever will be a happy ending until you retire and have "complete" control of your retirement funds.
Well then I guess I would ask what your definition of a happy ending is. Because From what I understand they, as a family, made a conscious decision to quit SWA to get up to ANC and not have to commute. Since that time Alaska has made money, not furloughed, they're in ANC, he's slowly moving up the ladder and in fact holds a decent line, and he's being paid (after the Kastration) pretty much what he thought he'd be getting when he walked in the door.
So based on those factors and your comments the thing that would finally make this a happy ending is more Jack. Am I correct in that assessment?