Originally Posted by shoelu

No rationalization at all, it was simply a sound investment. Lets do the math using APC numbers for first year pay at minimum gaurantee: 1) American-$30660 2) Continental-$26784 3) Delta-$42432 4) United-$27720 5) Southwest-$51192. So, even if I would have gotten an offer from the highest paying legacy (which I didn't), I was ahead $8760. If you run the same numbers for the lowest paying it is a difference of $24408. So, I made an incredibly sound investment. You are completely correct that it was only a "job offer" but let me let you in on a little secret, they are all only "job offer's". The offer at Southwest or anywhere else is contigent on you passing the required training curriculum. I feel like I had a large leg up on passing anything required of me since I already had training and a type rating in the aircraft. No rationalizations needed, it was a good investment for me. Also, the type cost me $6000 not $8000 and was tax deductible which added more money in my bank account. It may not make sense for everyone, but for me it was a win win situation.