[QUOTE=Chris Knight;2288398]Awesome position to be in! 10 pilots with 10 different answers on that one I suspect, particularly with the new SWA contract.

Had a guy with quite a few yrs @ SWA in my FDX indoc class last year. I'm currently airline speak and/or contract ignorant at my stage, but he told me several times WRT the FDX contract "You're standing on the shoulders of giants. SWA works you like a dog, and you can make great money. FDX life is centered about the best vacation policy in the industry and a higher hourly wage for less hours worked. I have no regrets."

For me, it was people vs boxes as a leading factor with choice in domicile available as a close second. But I didn't have two in hand like you, so that's purely academic.

Good luck dude. Nothing but good times no matter what you do.

 

Recently I jump seated on SWA DEN-DAL. First of all, SWA is EXCELLENT to jumpseat on! Love their professionalism and 'don't leave a jumper behind' attitude. I have several friends who crew SWA and all are beyond reproach. This last jumpseat tho was funny/interesting. Because the back was full the only option was upfront. I had just operated into Denver so was still in uniform decked in full regalia and FDX ID. I introduced myself and exchanged niceties with the crew and settled into the flight. The Captain and I had been exchanging notes on their contract issues as compared to ours etc. About mid flight the young new higher FO turned to me and asked what airline I flew for. I responded FDX. He looked at me and said, "Yah, I never even applied their. I wanted to be a real airline pilot." And he looked forward. The Captain looked at him for a moment, then turned to me shaking his head. PRICELESS!!! SO this may help your decision: Do you want to be a REAL airline pilot😎

 

Ah. One of those lucky little ba$tards.

 

If you live in an SWA domicile, SWA. If you commute FDX no question. Maybe even FDX if you live in an SWA domicile.

Pension, no pax/flt attendants and a good contract are amazing.


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Pax vs Cargo as has been said many times. Lots of nights at FDX but yes, more will be coming to SWA. The big thing you might want to keep in your mind, that many do not talk about, is the nasty stuff you will be flying at a cargo airline. Have a look at a notoc sometime and think about the UPS and Asiana (Not SFO)crashes. Not saying flying pax cannot pose a hazard but given a choice. Yes, upgrade at SWA is longer but a larger choice of bases perhaps. Also look at growth vs. retirements. I personally think SWA wins. Another one is always being in a terminal if you commute vs. always being at a cargo bldg. It's a pain in the arse. Just are just my two cents though.

 

[QUOTE=DirtyPurple;2288422]Do you know of anyone who left Alaska for FedEx?

 

[QUOTE=Chris Knight;2288613]I haven't met anyone yet. I have a good bud who was hired at both Alaska & SWA in the same month. He was on the fence until AK bought Virgin. He was comparing that coming merging of seniority lists with the SWA/AirTran merger and wondering how all that would turn out. I guess if you're on the senior end of that, it could be amazing, but on the junior end, not so much.

He went with SWA for a bunch of reasons, and the unknowns of a large acquisition is the major reason that pushed him in that direction. As soon as FDX calls him, he'll be moving onto boxes.

I could see it both ways...growth is great! AK is showing the desire to grow and the tenacity to close the big deal. Seems like the future is bright there. Thus far, they're successfully defending SEA from DAL, and that's no small feat.

SWA has limited themselves in many ways with a common fleet type, but that has also sustained them through the post-9/11 years because of lower maintenance costs (among other things).

I only know one thing for sure...the right answer for me and my family is not necessarily the right answer for anyone else's family.

The guys I know at Alaska are uniformly happy. The Pac NW is totally gorgeous, and from what I hear, the company culture there is good. But you'd have to ask someone that works there, I'm only listening to friends and their perspectives.

 

[QUOTE=Chris Knight;2288613]I do. He was at Alaska 2 years before leaving to fly at purple. He's like a giddy school girl when he talks about his job now.

 

Good point. Any pax terminal is a major pain in the arse.

 

[QUOTE=Chris Knight;2288613]Just met a newhire on the crewbus last week who left Alaska for FedEx.