I love this discussion. Had a friend who left DAL for FDX (purple nugget) then recently went back to DAL. Most people I tell that to give me a look of bewildered shock. I'll have to see what he thinks in a few years.

Seriously there's really no comparison between the entire salary and benefits package at FDX vs SWA. A fund, superior vacation, much better work rules, strong life insurance, health care and disability. SWA is great but it doesn't come close to equitable pay.

$52 billion one yr from FDX? I don't think so RT1200. Still a MUCH stronger company with a world wide presence but not $52 bil.

Hey one question I've got for SWA guys- how is the location of your layover hotels? I know DAL has some great ones-many better than ours but I was under the impression that most SWA hotels are near the airport and thus offering little opportunity to do anything fun? For example where do you layover in SFO, SAN, DEN, PDX, and SEA? That can make a big difference to the job as a good amount of enjoyment on trips for me comes from the layover.