Night flying sucks - even with the limited advantages it sucks, and by night I mean after midnight flying. I've at FDX but have a lot of close friends at SWA that love it. For me, I prefer FDX.

FDX - much more flexible in schedule (this may change now that we're in Flag ops but it still appears to be much more flexible), much more actual cool trips. Most SWA are pretty similar - doesn't matter how senior you get, the system form is very basic and similar. You can and will fly crap at FDX but you can also fly some very cool international - double deadheads in first class with long layovers in Hong Kong and Paris are not uncommon, 2 days off downtown Manhattan, etc. - won't get them every month but you can get them.

I come back from some grueling weeks at FDX but also come back with a lot of "what an awesome trip that was" - I rarely hear that from my SWA friends (all FOs, all mid-senior, and all based around southwest U.S.). Most of my SWA friends say they truly enjoy the job they are tired when they come home.

I differ a bit on commuting - unless you live in Memphis I think commuting is much easier with SWA - they have so many bases, most in great locations with a nice commuting policy and plenty of options. That takes away a lot of stress.

For benefits - no question that FDX is better in every regard, retirement, vacation, sick leave, disability, health care.

Great options though and I'm sure you'll be happy at either - you'll seek out what you like about the airline once you get there and concentrate on that.

 

For me it would be a pretty simple choice. The one that hired you would be the best outfit. Unfortunately that's more how it works in the real world. Apply to both get hired and if it really sux you can pick up and move on before you get too senior and entrenched.

 

Check out this video on YouTube:

YouTube - Neidl Calls Delta the `Powerhouse' of Airline Industry

SWA vs. FedEX is a great topic...might want to also consider DAL based on this analyst's predictions regarding the future of the industry.

 

Then you might want to go with Fedex. You will see more sunrises at SW, usually burning into your eyeballs as you start your early morning run from Oakland to the East coast at 6am after your 430am hotel van. Our goal on the 727 is to be in the hotel room before sunrise.

 

Delta hands down. Best of both worlds. SWA culture with FedEx variety of flying. Plus new contract next year sould fix some of the lower pay comparisions.

 

No NSL will ever work

Base it on expirience or flight time

250 hours min for commerical license

$25,000 is min pay to fly for airline
Pick your pennies per hour

250-2500 hours you get paid 3.5 cents per hour of expirence or 25K which ever is more
So at 2500 x .035 x 70hrs/month x 12months= $73,500 per year

2501-5000 3 cents per hour or $73,500 which ever is more
5000 x .03 x 70 x 12 = $126,000 per year

5001 - 7500 2.5 cents or $126,000

7500 hrs x .025 x 70 x 12 = $157,500

10000 hrs x .0225 x 70 x 12 = $189,000

Some theoretical max pay. Captains get a 30% boost in pay. You can not be a captain unless you have 2500 hours.

In order to fly certain aircraft you need certain time.
This will keep high time pilots in the cockpit. Example
737 FO you need 2000 hours
777 Captain 12000 hours ETC....

All airlines would be required to pay the same rate. So they would all have a level playing field. They could not blame the company failures on the pilot group because all would be payed the same. Unions could focus on work rules rather than pay.

Just a thought

 

I'm one of those old guys that is putting the finishing touches up on a 33 year career all with FedEx. I couldn't have asked for a better career and company to work for. Everything my coworkers have stated before me is true. FedEx takes care of their pilots. I've been all over the globe with them. They have afforded me the opportunity to visit six continents, 62 countries, 39 states, get married, have 2 great kids, put both kids through college and earn advanced degrees, buy my own plane, take a really nice vacation annually, get as much vacation off as needed, and sail into retirement with my wife as copilot. I'm far from mandatory retirement age, but looking forward to traveling with my wife and being a Grandad. It's not just the money and the cherry picking trips to Asia, Europe, and the sought after 'Round the World', or benefits and compensation; at FedEx it's really a great family to work for. It's been a hell of a ride and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Had a blast being a check airman for 10 years, 2 day layovers in Hawaii, getting time off to serve my country in Desert Storm, driving the jet on several inaugural hauls, volunteering to fly supplies around the world including several hauls on the Orbis Eye Plane, or working a Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years in the same year. It was always something different and great and I'm truly blessed. In 60 days I get sober, and quit drinking the purple punch so I may have another opinion.

FedEx: Your World on Time.

You would prefer those LIT turns over 50 hours in HKG?

You can live anywhere you want (reasonable) and work for FedEx. The way junior guys tend to live close to hubs, but that isn't rule of thumb.

 

Of course past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

I'd go cargo in a heartbeat. Nothing against SWA but I'd say if the odds are against someone it'd be the company that isn't as diversified as FedEx. At least cargo outfitters have more areas to draw revenue from, can work more with govt contracts, don't have to deal with canceled flights due to a 3hr limit like the majors, and have the additional international exposure which is huge.

However if you really have those options available then good for you man

 

Remember packages don't talk back either!

That was the selling point for me many moons a go.