It's amazing how if you looked at these boards just 5 years ago you would be called a lunatic if you passed up SWA for US Airways. This thread is a perfect example of why everyone's crystal ball is just as ****ty as the next guys,lol.

I also may be an un-cultured slob but who gives a damn about the cities/countries you fly to? I'd be more concerned with what you're doing and where you're on your days off. Go with the place that will give you a better QOL on the days where work is the farthest thing from the mind.

maxpowers

Question, is it because you're tired of the 737, Harlingen turns? Commute?

I'm just curious why you would leave SWA after 10 years? QOL has to be pretty good?

While I might have biased opinion regarding the AA of the past, I would say go with the sure bet…SWA. AA is an unknown at this point. All these estimates of movement/retirement/airplane orders/wage increases mean nothing right now. There is no guarantee that the merger will have a positive effect on the airline, and should the economy for whatever reason slow down, survival would be much better at Southwest IMO. I know little about SW besides the impact they have had on this industry for the last few decades. They seem much more efficient then anyone else. I'm sure I sound negative about AA…but if I were in your shoes and have a choice based on track record of the two,
I'd tell you what most AA guys would tell you, Southwest all the way.

Pan Am was also a sure bet back in the day. I believe that there is opportunity to be had whenever chaos and fear exists. For that, AA qualifies.

I think you're defining QOL as left seat? Looking at their pay scale, SWA seems like a great place to be an FO forever. How much money is enough varies for everyone, but SWA FO ranks better than "ok" in my book.

- No dog in the fight, I think SWA is a great airline, but for a variety of reasons (mostly domicile) it is not currently one of my top choices.

As was stated earlier, pay arguably should be last on your list, unless Airline ABC is $300K as an FO and Airline ZZZ is $150K as FO. With that said, commutability, variety of equipment and routes, and "senior life" as an FO, would be factors. Higher pay but multi-leg commute to get it, is it "better deal" than lower pay and no commute? I don't know, but something to think about. I posted earlier that if this was 1995, with SWA booming and growing, I would probably choose SWA over the others. However it is 2013, and AA seems to have a bright future. Plus I would argue it is easier to commute within the AA system versus the SWA system. At least I would think so.

Good Luck

What do I know, I work for DAL.

First, I'd pick the one closest to where I want to live.

If that isn't an issue, I would pick SWA.

My reason is the type of flying.

I've done both exotic long-haul international and flown the Shuttle. I much preferred flying the Shuttle. After all what's fun for a pilot, take offs and landings. You get a lot of those at SWA.

You can keep the back side of the clock struggle to stay awake. Puking your guts up after eating who knows what in some god forsaken backwater sucks. I'll take controllers who speak English and radios that work any day.

But, that's just me. You decide what works for you. In the end, you go with the one that offers the job. You won't know if you made the right decision for another 30 years give or take.

And, changing airplanes is highly over rated.

Completely agree. I can't begin to explain the feeling I get when Moncton hands me off to Boston or Tokyo hands me off to Anchorage. There's no feeling like being back in America! Besides, who comes up with a transition level of 60 or clears you to 35,000 feet QNH 30.12? Pick a standard Europe!

I'd go for American, but previous posters have had good points like base location. Apply to American, Delta, United, Southwest, and Alaska if you like the NW. If you're at a crummy regional and don't hear from those carriers don't waste your time waiting if you've got the PIC time, look at Jet Blue, Spirit, Allegiant, Virgin etc. That is unless you have the chance to become a check airman, sim instructor, or chief pilot. Getting those feathers in your cap could justify waiting. Just my 1 1/2 cents from someone who's sat in on plenty of interviews.

G

Don't know about that.

There's A LOT of mil guys that went straight to SW BASED ON THE UPGRADE.

And now that it looks longer (much longer) than the 4-5 years they expected, they're crying because that 150K/year they're pulling as an FO ISN'T enough apparently.

When I was commuting on them I heard it all the time.

ASSUMING you have multiple job offers.......pick the most stable carrier that can offer a LIFETIME of career advancement.

Also, something that will let you SLEEP AT NIGHT.

IOW, look at the LONG TERM SURVIVABILITY of the carriers that offer you a job. Who will be around in 20 years? Sitting in the right seat for awhile at a stable carrier outweighs a fast upgrade. Think LONG TERM.

I speak from experience.