Because I'd still rather work for a watered down Southwest/Airtran than most other airlines. How's that for a vote of confidence in the remaining career options. I could elaborate, but I'd repeat what has been stated, ad-nausea, about the other carriers, and why they are not an attractive options for a long career with the least chance of furlough/ labor strife.

Do I think that it’s going to be smooth all the time there? No, but the management there has proved repeatedly that they are more enlightened than other airline leadership, to put it mildly.

Sorry, but there is no good/easy way to answer your question. This SLI thing is far from over. (FL MEC still has to vote, if passed, then both groups have to vote, if it doesn't pass, then who knows how long before this is resolved). Price of fuel, revised growth plans or the ever promised "explosive growth" will all figure in to when they decide they need additional crews. I wouldn't bet on additional hiring this year, but that's just me, what do I know.

Gosh, I don't know. Consider, while you might be an FO at SWA for a long time, you also have the following going for you:

1) You will be among the highest-paid F/Os in the world, and this rate is on the most-junior equipment

2) Unlike the legacies, your airline has the tightest scope language in the industry (think how many upgrades that has cost legacy pilots)

3) Unlike the legacies, your airline barely exists outside the lower 48....but not for much longer if mgmt is to be believed (growth potential)

4) Unlike the legacies, your airline has never furloughed pilots

...and perhaps most important of all:

5) Unlike the legacies, your airline has arguably the most competent management in the industry. One that views labor as partners, not enemies.

Yes, only complete idiots need apply.


P.S. How long have you been an FO at Delta?

Past performance is not a guarantee of future success. 10 years ago Delta led with wages, and at this moment it's Southwest. 10 years from now the picture will likely be different. My hope is that all pilot wages increase as pilot availability decreases.

Seniority is #1 on my list, and upward mobility. In the next 15 years 8,000 DAL pilots will retire, giving me a lot of options. Pilot contracts are under negotiation right now for AA & UA, and will be for DAL soon...that'll be a good indication of the future.

BTW, my CEO makes more than your CEO! Oh, wait, that may not be something to be proup of.

Seriously, this proposed list will likely lead to a lot of future animosity with guys you'll fly with the rest of your career.

So when you have been throwing gear on the same airplane for 18-19 years, come on back and let's see if you still feel this way.. good on ya if you do.. one thing you will learn about this industry.. it is cyclical. You're up today.. down tomorrow. EVERYBODY goes thru this, and SWA is not immune. Best of luck.

But look at how much money they'll make...

Probably since the merger.

So, when SWA does hire, do you think they will hire into both the 717 and 737, or just the 737? That could really suck for the 717 guys for the next 3 years.

Timing is everything in this industry. If being a CA is a priority in one's life, I wouldn't want to be on the bottom of that list! Great job, great pay and job security if you don't mind being a career FO.

You think I'll see an upgrade at DAL, UAL, or AA in the next 9 years? Doubtful.

Not that long to wait for a regional schmuck like me.