Maybe if you are close to the top they will wait, but I don't think they would pass up a job at SWA, FedEx, or the such to wait for the flow if you further were down the list.

A check airmen I flew with on IOE was awaiting recall to AA (he said he'd never make CA at DL before retirement but he would at AA). Also another guy was applying to FedEx and SWA. He viewed the flow through as a good thing if/when it happens but wasn't going to pass up other good offers based on what might happen.

So there will be attrition to other airlines, small at first, but it will only increase the longer DL goes without hiring.

Most feel even if DL doesn't hire this year, they will definitely need to hire in the next 2 to 3 years and that will lead to movement.