This. People are getting hired off the street quicker than they're flowing.

Go wherever you won't have to commute.

According to APC there are 5. But in today's nomenclature, legacy usually is meant to imply the "big 3."

I'd say big 3 + Fedex and UPS.

I'm at a WO but I'm treating it as the flow doesn't exist. The bonus and the upgrade times got me to come over.

HOWEVER, with the increasing lack of applicants, it's becoming more and more likely the big 3 will do gentlemen's agreements. As in they won't poach each others WO pilots. So it could be quite possible for me to never see United or Delta. But until it happens it's all rumor.

What about RAH that is now 2/3's owned by all three majors (AA, UAL and DL)? Talk about obsfucating the lines between wholly owned and privately owned (and publicly owned).

The point is, the entire industry is changing and evolving. The most correct answer won't be obvious for up to a decade.

Apply to a company that you want to work for, that fits your needs and your family's needs and that fits your career goals.

Obviously the top 5 should be everyones goal to strive for, however, thats not to say that theres other places to work that will let you live like a king and be financialy well taken care of with a high QOL. Keep your mind open.