XtremeF150

I don't work for either of the 3 companies, but with the rollercoaster that this industry provides I would say that 6 years of people below you is job security that I wouldn't give up. I know it is demoralizing to think you have to do this for 30 more years but imagine being a regional guy such as myself reading about a guy in your position pondering such a switch. Although many would call you crazy I can honestly see where you coming from.

I really think you should stay build some seniority as a captain and maybe bid the shortest shifts. Remeber that 6 years, although shorter than 30, is a long time to start over with a less than desirable base or schedule even at UPS. Besides who knows where they could be in 6 years. No offense to UPS but for all we know Fed Ex and the othr new upstarts in cargo could corner them slowing upgrades or even causing some furlough's. After a few years we all realize that the reason we get paid for this is because no matter how much you once loved it, it is still a JOB. In your case it is an industry leading job. Thats my spare change on the matter.

XtremeF150

brownie

up start cargo will corner fedx or ups.
what are u a new graduate from erau, because obviously u have no idea how this industry works. Fora startup to corner these guys is like a monkey threatens a gurrilla for some ass kicking.

MD11HOG

Maybe start a business on the side. If it grows, quit on your terms. Also, will UPS hire SWA guys? There are some agreements between chief pilots that might preclude that.

captain_drew

So far, I have not seen any valid reasons. FedEx . . and assume Brown .. has a lot of 'DH' trips . .which means you get to interface with those Fascist TSA jerks . .maybe not as much as you SWA guys do . .but enough to make me glad when retirement day came . . post 9/11. The government sure has a way to 'F' things up . .don't they?

Unless you relish living in MEM or SDF . .you may well stiill be commuting. . a large % of Purple people do . .60+%? . . which means at least another 4+ days/mo passing through airports . . on your own nickel.

You want to trade 'rude PAX and 25 minute turns' for 'back side of the clock' . .up all night circadian rhythm busting schedules? . . it really used to pi$$ me off to see you SWA folks . .all bright eyed and bushy tailed . . standing on the curb at the hotel . .as we pulled up . . all disheveled and feeling like crap. . after being up all night. I always got a smile from the F/A babes. . but I knew it wasn’t flirting . .they were thinking . .”look at those sorry SOB’s. . glad we got to sleep in a bed last night.”

You didn't say how much seniority you were considering giving up . . BUT . . THAT is a major issue. Of course. .you could ultimately end up in the left seat of a Wide Body . . which you will never achieve at SWA . . BUT . .at what cost?

Trash Hauler 1

Standard English is appreciated. Put the Scotch down and type as a human. Don't berate the new guys trying to learn. They may be your F/O one day and save your butt. Its all about skills, not where you learned them. In my humble opinion.

TH1

XtremeF150

Well, I would have to say no. However, I did graduate, which means I can spell and fly . I was simply stating that the industry crystal ball is quite clouded lately. I'm sure that everyone, especially the thread author, appeciates and finds your educated responses useful.

XtremeF150

Lifizgud

I was talking to a buddy of mine that started working for SWA about 18 months ago (I've been with FedEx about 14 months), and he said he hadn't worked this hard since he was a FAIP (First Assignment Instuctor Pilot for you non-AF types), and it was beating him up. I have to say I've seen a couple of crummy trips, but it was just a couple, and I've never felt like punching a package for saying something stupid after I've been busting hump. I've talked to several PAX carrier crew dogs at the hotels and some of their stories amaze me. Good luck with your decision!

767pilot

Once you get some seniority, get off of reserve, and find your niche, you'll like it here just fine. There is a lot of international to be had, which means you'll see the sun, and domestic may get a bit easier with the new deal, flawed as it is. All I can say is, come on in, the water is fine!

FR8Hauler

Out of curiosity, was it a he or a she?

MD11Fr8Dog

I thought it was the guy's wife didn't want to go to ANC.