Thats how some people make it sound on here. Its easy to forget how hard it was to come onboard a few years back. Other threads are full of how we will only attract the leftovers from other Majors.
I completely disagree with that assessment. When I talk to my buddy at Delta (who is back at the training center for the third time learning a different airplane) I feel good about throwing a ton of switches in the old 737. I think there may be more people thinking alike and interested in the domiciles we offer.

In my opinion SWA managed the challenges of the pandemic very well minus the timing of the 1221 notices.

Not sure how Frontier handled it. Interested to hear how it was over there.

 

<said the yes voter>

 

Glad you know what I am voting for and what not. And how does that contribute anything useful to the thread…

 

it is easy to forget. I applied for 10years as a very qualified applicant before getting the first invite.

 

It’s not easy unless you get called. But if your somewhere where you’re thinking of spending your career it is a decision. Consistent strong effort over time is powerful. I think people from Frontier or other majors with a degree and 5000+ hours generally have a pretty good leg up in the process.

speaking from experience when I got to a major i reconsidered extra hard to even make application and only applied at SWA. I wanted to come here. After all I would’ve been fine where I was but I chose this over everything instead of choosing everything over where I was, I’d imagine that says something.

 

I agree with him and have yet to vote yes on anything. When I was hired they hired something like 1:24. I don’t mind the 737 if we got a bigger jet I wouldn’t bid it anyway. I only have a 2-3 hr butt.

 

So in this strictly academic exercise of choosing SWA over F9, I don't think you are going to find anyone who is going to be able to give you a good answer just because nobody that I know of here on APC has ever worked for both companies.

That being said, my personal opinion is that it is a coin flip. I think they are both great jobs and you are living in a great place to take advantage of either one because I don't see the MCO base closing for either airline in the next few decades.

One thing I will say about Frontier, is that they will definitely be part of some sort of merger or acquisition eventually. They are a big fish, getting bigger, in an industry segment that has nothing but growth ahead of it. There will be consolidation. Take that for what it is worth. It can change career expectations, as many SWA and former AT pilots know.

I fly Frontier to MCO with my family and to work sometimes and really enjoy the product and have nothing but good things to say about the crews that I have met. I think they have pretty sunny skies ahead of them.

If you would have asked me 5 years ago when they had a terrible contract and a training agreement to sign, I would have said leave ASAP. ALPA did a good job negotiating a fair deal for a first contract. Right now, I think it's a virtual tie, unless you can predict the future.

 

Say you were in your mid-40s, live in Denver (and will for the foreseeable future) and have a potential opportunity to choose between Frontier and Southwest. Which do you think would give you the best career?

 

SWA hands down.

 

Definitely SWA. SWA’s plan is to greatly expand Denver in the next year. I believe Frontier is contracting in Denver, or at least not growing, with a senior group in Denver.

You could possibly make an argument for Frontier - but not in Denver.