Of course that early retirement (monthly annuity) will be in great shape until the next BK if gas goes up to where it was a year ago. Analysts say possibly even 300/bl. And you know how DAL loves to honor and not try and terminate pilot pension plans. Remember, it was ONLY the pilots who had their plans terminated in DAL's BK. They offer an early out in a lump sum, then go for it. Buyer beware in a traditional defined benefit plan. Ask close to 2000 pilots that retired in 04/05 how that defined benny thing is working out for them. Oh and if that happens to be the case, don't ask YOUR union for any help at all. "Hey, you're retired, we don't have to represent you. Hit the street pal." Just my two cents. But wait, I don't get two cents a month from my former employee.