FDX vs SWA
01-26-2017 | 05:12 PM
#42
Night Shift
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 97
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From: Eating Lemon Tuna
01-26-2017 | 06:34 PM
#43
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,717
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From: Retired
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.
2. Yes, the "nasty stuff" you'll be flying at FedEx, like 757's, 767's, Heavy Airbuses, Heavy MD-10's and 11's, Heavy 777's, as opposed to flying those little football shaped 737's for the entire rest of your career at SWA. Of course you can also fly some dangerous stuff at FedEx, like Horses, Whales, things that glow in the dark, but they're few and far between. And of course, flying with flight attendants does have it's obvious advantages, like having to wait for them to do their hair, makeup, etc, before the crew van takes you to the airport, 15 minutes late.
3. SWA does have a larger choice of bases, here within the US of A, but if you're interested in seeing the world, or living and flying outside the USA, you're sort of limited at SWA. Not so much with FedEX.
4. Growth and retirements. An interesting subject. Don't forget to look at stability.
5. Commuting to or from the "terminal" as opposed to from the "cargo ramp", can be an issue. After all, it could cost you 5 or 10 bucks. OMG! The horror of it all. Hopefully no one will make their determination of which place to go, based on this. But then again, who knows, in fairness, it is or can be an issue, if you've got no imagination.
If you have the chance to go to either FedEx or SWA, congratulations. You've done well for yourself. It's a confusing decision. If you want to be a real airline pilot, choose SouthWest. If you love to fly airplanes, to exciting, strange, and various places, perhaps FedEx might be a better fit. Regardless, good luck with your decision.
JJ
01-26-2017 | 07:19 PM
#44
Generationally Damaged
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 365
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From: Dynamically Leveled
You have made my day. Thank you.
01-26-2017 | 07:52 PM
#45
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 106
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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😎
I keed!
01-26-2017 | 10:17 PM
#46
Line Holder
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 988
Likes: 3
From: L188
"Little football shaped 737s"!
I have to admit, that was good! Very clever.
Now the "Heavies" and "Around the world" comments have many meanings! I have been on some "heavies" around the world a few times myself.
Either way, yes, it's great to be wanted by one or both.
I have to admit, that was good! Very clever.
Now the "Heavies" and "Around the world" comments have many meanings! I have been on some "heavies" around the world a few times myself.
Either way, yes, it's great to be wanted by one or both.
01-27-2017 | 05:02 AM
#48
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 3,200
Likes: 43
From: Gear slinger
"Little football shaped 737s"!
I have to admit, that was good! Very clever.
Now the "Heavies" and "Around the world" comments have many meanings! I have been on some "heavies" around the world a few times myself.
Either way, yes, it's great to be wanted by one or both.
I have to admit, that was good! Very clever.
Now the "Heavies" and "Around the world" comments have many meanings! I have been on some "heavies" around the world a few times myself.
Either way, yes, it's great to be wanted by one or both.
01-27-2017 | 11:27 AM
#49
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 943
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From: B-777 Captain
I just flew a 14 day around the world trip with a new hire (PEP). Former marine harrier pilot this was his second trip since complicating IOE. We flew all over Asia and had layovers in Anchorage, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and Germany. Kid has been with the company for 4 months. Fun trip.
01-27-2017 | 11:33 AM
#50
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 936
Likes: 0
I just flew a 14 day around the world trip with a new hire (PEP). Former marine harrier pilot this was his second trip since complicating IOE. We flew all over Asia and had layovers in Anchorage, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and Germany. Kid has been with the company for 4 months. Fun trip.
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