Fly90

Currently at SWA - Year 2. Almost 2K pilots below me. Live in base. Genuinely have enjoyed SWA - great people, great schedule, great flexibility. It was one of my top choices. New contract is a home run for the most part (in my opinion of course).

That said, this issue with the MAX7 and the stop in hiring has got my wondering if this is the place to be with all the growth at the legacies. I’ve got 35+ years to go. I hate commuting so for me it’s either SWA or AA (I could live in multiple bases at either airline). Yes, I have an AA interview invite.

SWA Pros:

• Great schedules (averaged 17-18 days off)
• Great flexibility
• Great vacation
• Great people
• No PBS

SWA Cons:

• Stagnation
• Poor leadership (I could turn this into several bullet points, but I’ll just wrap it up in this one)
• What are we going to do once the 737 is gone? (Is leadership even thinking about this?) What if the MAX7 never shows up?

AA Pros:

• Lots of growth = fast seniority progression
• Multi-type fleet (the fact that AA isn’t so dependent on one fleet type is good)

AA Cons:

• Schedules - less time off overall (I know there are exceptions for senior guys)
• Lack of schedule flexibility (AA seems severely lacking in this regard, especially compared to SWA)
• PBS
• New contract has the money, but still lacking in QOL rules (talked with several senior AA guys who agree)
• More 4 day trips, lots of redeyes, etc

I’d say the biggest advantage AA has over SWA is the seniority progression and lack of stagnation that SWA will have. There is a lot of growth going on over at AA. I suppose the lack of schedule flexibility and days off would be made up reasonably quickly with the seniority progression.

I think my biggest concern with SWA is what our future looks like. The legacies are making tons of money right now. Again, lots of growth. The low cost carrier model is not what it once was. Will SWA still be here in a reasonable capacity in 20-30 years? I hope so.

No doubt, it would be a risky move to leave now. That said, with AAs retirements it seems unlikely that they would see furloughs, even with another economic downturn/event. But as always…it’s anyone’s best guess.

Delta and United are out of the picture as I won’t commute to their bases.

WHACKMASTER

I have a close friend who's been at AA since 2000. His seniority progression the last 5 years took even his breath away. It's staggering. Myself, after 18 years on the 737 I'm desperately ready for a change and won't be getting one. Personally, I think you'd be nuts to stay here with 35+ years to go. In my mind it's safe to say that you'll regret it (deeply). Best of luck whichever path you chose.

CaptTX

I'm in a similar position, been on property for 6 months. I live in DFW so AA would be the other logical choice. Our 737 MAX dependancy has me worried for our sucess long term and the seeming inability to move to another aircraft type.

Interested in hearing everyone's take on this.

WHACKMASTER

Here’s my take….you’d ge crazy not to go to AA if given the opportunity.

at6d

My take is nobody knows what’s going to happen ever. If you didn’t want to be here in the first place, why stay?

one thing I’ve noticed is with all the hiring options the green grass is thick all over.

Fly90

This is very true…it can be very very difficult to distinguish reality sometimes. Hence why I posted on here ha. It’s a small piece of the pie, but any feedback helps.

Squawkbox2012

Actually I’m going to go on a limb and say feedback isn’t particularly helpful. Everyone’s situation is different and you have to take that into account. Every airline has a cycle where it’s the place to be then it isn’t suddenly. Then something will happen where it’s back to where people are tripping over each other to get their foot in the door.

Rinse and repeat. By the way how senior are you? Yes, go to AA lol

PhxJester

Go to AA, I’m tired of a blank line.

Fly90

Absolutely - good point. Everyone is different. Just trying to gather data.

Fly90

Ha I’m in DAL not sure if that will help you in PHX (guessing by your name)