Here's my two cents worth. I just spent a 5 day flying what I imagine was a former NWA 320 type trip. It didn't start well. On our first layover in MSP, the airport Holiday Inn, my CA and I were the only former DAL guys on the crew van full of former NWA. The *****ing and complaining (about the merger) was unbelievable. Most of the angst was coming from FA's and not pilots although the 4 pilots on board the van were weighing in sort of. They ended up being great guys and I think were only playing to the crowd. The FAs were vocally trying to figure out how NOT to fly the next day's rotations.

The airport at MSP is fantastic. Takes awhile to get to the crew bus when you're done but a very nice, clean airport with great gate crews. The eating possibilities far outweigh anything you'll find in ATL or any other DAL hub. The people are so nice you'll be amazed that you ever trafficked ATL.

The next time through, two days later, yielded similar crew angst on the van and in the hotel. I went down to the Holiday Inn restaurant/bar for a glass of wine and a salad. Again, fnwa crews were complaining about the end game, the merger. I'm sure there must be a lot of disappointment and chaos that comes with changing your culture. Still, I was thinking about the big picture. We have jobs, we're the world's largest airline, stock is on the rise, and we have nothing but remarkable things in store.

Also, I had to deice in MSP the other day. Man, do you guys have that down! The most professional and expedient deicing I have ever encountered in over 27 years of flying.

Hey DSouth guys. They got it going on up there. Still, I couldn't pull the trigger on Walleye or lutefisk (whatever the hell that is).

Buzz