Great info, BJam. Thanks. I agree that the environment is changing quite a bit. UAL is talking hiring off the street in 2007, AA is FINALLY recalling, UPS, FDX, SWA all hiring, etc. I would think CX has to realize they need to sweeten the pot a little to keep qualified people interested in them. Heard of one acquaintance that had a very confrontational interview with them recently ("anti-American" and "anti-military" was how he described the experience). I know one sea story does not a trend make, but you'd think CX would come to the realization that they are not the only game in town anymore and that the applicants are evaluating them as much as they are evaluating the applicant. Not saying they need to lower their standards, and I'm sure they won't, but would think they need to do more to recruit vs. run people through a boot camp-style interview.
FWIW, I did get an invite for round 1 in Vancouver a few days ago. I'm going to have to turn them down since the day they offered to have me interview was THANKSGIVING! Guess the Brits don't celebrate that one...?