I would consider the very real possibility of living in ANC to fly many of our widebody international trips. Check a line guys abilitiy to bid different positions.

Rumors abound about 400-500 crews in ANC with almost all future growth in the next 3-4 years in ANC while the other bases remain stagnant.

One the up side for a new hire is this will mean very junior crewmembers flying 747-400/MD-11s and junior Captains for those willing to commute or move to ANC.

Treat your decision like a business decision. i.e., look at the numbers and quality of life.

Brown doesen't necessarily hand out hugs and kisses and a daily basis, but that's fine. The pay is good, the job is very secure and the variey of flying is much to choose from. Unless you are on a commercial deadhead, you do not have to deal with the terminal side. Boxes obviously do not complain and the guys and gals on the line are very professional and great to fly with.

I don't know anything about Southwest other than what my friends over there have told me, and they are all happy over there. Beyond that, I'll let a Southwest person tell you the rest.

It really depends if you want to work long blocks, and then have a long break off. Just for example, I have had 30 to 40 days off in a row with just a one week vacation. Many times also. But to do this you must fly International with the trip NOT going through your home domicle.

Beats 4 on 3 off any day.

What Nash says is really spot on. My SWA buddies put in a lot more time away from home than I do, and have both told me they'd trade working conditions with me in a heartbeat. One quick example, is how I can turn one week of vacation into 4 weeks off.

Trust me, passenger flying gets old after a while--and I've done my share of it. Quality of life, however, never gets old. I'd pick cargo.

Very tough call. My buds at SWA like it there, but they do work their tails off. 4 on 3 off is the standard but if you live in BWI or IAH, it's no big deal.

But if you live in Bozeman, MT and you're going to 2 leg commute or ORD, that's gonna get old quick.

Oh really? Last time I checked we had 31 consecutive years of profits.:rolleyes:

SWA is great and makes money every year. UPS air side is younger but is growing all over the world with big planes. I think FedEx made 27 billion last year not sure what SWA made last year or UPS. I just wish SWA had kept the hot pants (and young girls) like in the 70s. Best thing about SWA has been Herb and I hope he lives and stays involved forever.