Thanks for the responses. I wish it was an easy decision but I guess that is a part of being in this business. I am 35 and got lucky with my decision to go to AirTran. Back in '99 it was supposed to be a stepping stone to the majors but of course 9/11 changed that.

I was figuring on an 8-9 year upgrade when I was running the numbers. A lot of it is a guess. There are some unknowns, like what we get in our contract here at AirTran, how much of a pay raise is in the next Delta contract, what kind of hours would I average at Delta, etc.

I never thought I would actually have to make a decison about working at Delta. A few years ago it would have been a no brainer.

What attire is appropriate for the pre-screen? Suit, same as a full interview I assume?

You can't turn it down if you don't get offered the job. So definitely go do the interview. When they call you with a class date, then you can decide.

FWIW, I interviewed with both SWA and DAL this summer, and my philosophy about the "XYZ carrier only flies domestic" argument is the same as pilotss's: if I want to travel, I'd rather do that with a certain non-pilot in my life, and if I can make a bunch at XYZ Domestic Airlines, then I can buy two tickets on ABC International Big Iron and still come out ahead. (Now, of course, I can travel free to Paris--and not Paris, Texas--on ABC, but what's the difference if I make enough at XYZ to buy the ticket anyway?)

In my case, SWA said no and DAL said yes, so there was no decision necessary, although getting in at the front of the hiring wave at DAL vice at the end of SWA's pretty much made up my mind anyway. I'll enjoy flying the ER to Europe as a new hire (but probably not commuting to NYC on reserve for a few months), although, had the fortunes been reversed, I wouldn't regret anything except the 10 months I'd have had to spend in the pool.

Anyway, if you're coming to DAL, get on now and don't waffle until the music stops.

Gents, question on the pre-screen. I have an interview lined up for this month and have not "gotten the memo" on the pre-screen interview stuff. Is this a telephonic only or do they fly you to Atlanta twice???

The idea of the Pre Screen is to get your application to the "Top of the Pile". If I understand your post, you already are there. You indicate that you have an interview set up. Good luck...Dark suit, red tie, rock in the shrinks` chair, be nice to the HR guy, etc....

I guess it depends on the impression you're trying to make... :rolleyes:

Has anyone done the "pre screen" lately?

My sponser gave me a number relayed to him from a flight manager to set up a pre screen. Left a message. Just curious if they are still bringing you to ATL to do the screening, or is it over the phone? Any additional info?

prescreen
 

I had a pre-screen scheduled but got the regular interview invite through normal channels before I had to go. They were not going to fly me in for the pre-screen. It was going to be out of my pocket. However, that might have changed.

I will be the first to say this. After talking to the guys in hiring, there will be no prescreens this year. Looks like there were too many CP's etc trying to get people in the door.
Also crazy I know, but they also told me that all of the majors will require a four year by the end of the year. We will have to wait and see if that one happens.

Very interesting. I guess that I shouldn't expect a call back from this number that I have? Have you been able to pick their brains about how to move up the list for an interview call then? Just curious what avenue I should lead my rec down now.