we need to get some Alaska pilots to join in on the conversation...

Crunch...Crunch...You hear that?...Crunch...Crunch...know what that is? It's the sound of a 20+yr AS Captain top 20% seniority walking on egg shells on his way to the 'lions den'....

Changed Avitar from my snowboarding days up north to reflect mood for future SLI ...IF there is one.

Joking aside let's see if this rumor is for real! I'm very skeptical, if not doubtful that any kind of buyout or merger is forthcoming. Since the '80's I've heard of countless rumors from many sources of an imminent merger deal or buyout next 'Thursday' by 'xyz' only to discover that the deal is with another code sharing partner.

At this point in my career I would be happy to ride off into the sunset as an independent carrier. I see no positive benefit merging with anybody, personally speaking.