I would love to see the OT that you are seeing that the rest of us don't, because it is very different from what everyone else sees. DFW Captain's on Reserve virtually don't fly. DFW CA have solid green days to drop/swap days, given the solid amount of reserves; which is also why, a few months ago, the then Reduction bid had nearly 4x the amount of CA vs FO. And is still virtually unchanged.

FOs on reserve are breaking guarantee pretty much every month. Senior FOs don't bid reserve anymore because it is practically guaranteed to get flown. Any FO that can hold a line now wants a line.

Yes, there are "3 Days" worth 10 hours, which would mean "Redeyes", but "everything" is an extreme exaggeration that isn't even remotely true of the majority of DFW trips.

I think DFW (ORD, DTW) stands less of a chance surviving a F9 merger though. Seems like F9 had expressed interest in IAH before any of the merger talk began so I could see IAH surviving. I’ve read other people saying not to pick an airline for a domicile but isn’t that why 90% of people choose an airline? To be able to drive to work?

Pre 2022, you went to whoever called first.

Is it safe to say that new hires should not expect to get DFW and anticipate it to close? Because that sucks.

If JetBlue "wins" then yes, expect it to close. They have already made public statements that they plan to "divest" the Spirit assets and branding in favor of the JetBlue business model. Take thousands of employees who marched (successfully....) to the ULCC song and ask them to dance to a new tune, and see how the "synergies" work after that.

My opinion

I’d say exactly the opposite. If JetBlue wins expect it to stay open or grow. JetBlue said they plan to divest spirit gates in the NE where JetBlue already has big presence and possibly some in FLL.

It’s spirit that wants DFW smaller not JetBlue

You think jetblue will want (be allowed by AA) to compete in DFW with AA and spoil their NEA?

Basically it’s still a toss up to then. I appreciate the opinions of what to expect for the DFW base. Currently living in Dallas, it would be a huge blow to lose Dfw or not even get a chance to live at base. I would think if Jet Blue acquires Spirit that all bases not on the coast are going to be closed.

I see the brain trust is at in at this 4th, about what bases will close and stay. 🙄

If JB acquires Spirit they’ll be divesting gates in FLL and the Northeast. The additional airplanes and 3000+ spirit pilots will need to go somewhere. A JB acquisition gives ORD, DTW and DFW the best chance to continue as they are.