Good post. I agree with you about the potential growth opportunity at DAL versus SWA. I weighs on my mind from time to time. But for some of the same reasons as FedEx, I am not interested right now in working for DAL.
The only other caveat I will add is that thing called "scope". I will go on record right now saying I do not think the Legacies will ever recover scope. While I think SWA will NEVER let it get away from them.
What do I mean by this? I don't think the majority of pilots at DAL or UniCal will strike or do what it takes to regain scope. There is alot of talk on APC about this very issue. A lot of tough talk. But at the end of the day, when hard $$$ is involved for senior legacy pilots - they will vote with their pocket book. Acting in self-interest is perhaps the most predictable aspect of human nature. Offer enough money to the top 51% of pilots at the Legacies and domestic scope will be let go further.
In fact I think scope will continue to be eroded with international flying being the future target for Legacy management.
This could mean big trouble for all of us, including SWA if the Legacies can't pull this one together. I am pulling for you guys but you know that old saying about the horse and the barn. Best of luck!
I have great strength of belief in the SWA business model. I am a little more skeptical of DAL's business model. International flying for SWA is only a matter now of "when" and not a matter of "if".
Delta is a great place to be. Several of my friends are in ground school now at Delta. I will always wish them the best. Heck, 10 years from now we may all be sitting in a cubicle on the ground flying drone software on an iPad version 10 for minimum wage.
Come February 16, I may be making the best OR the worst decision of my professional aviation life. I'll let you know on my 65th birthday in 2033.