The average SWA pilot flies 10 times more legs per year, and ends up in a dump like LBB and MAF. The DL pilots are in the middle of a 3 year contract that gave a 20% raise, and the company is making quarterly profits in the billions. So, there is a great possibility that DL narrow body pilots will pass the SWA pilots soon. I'm pretty sure most of the Widebody pilots already make more per hour, and with huge retirements coming at DL and not SWA, double pay overtime flying (greenslips) will be raining down.
Throw in the fact that SWA's boss seems to want to get back to the LCC roots too, it may be tough for them to keep making huge gains. I hope they do, but it doesn't sound like the boss will be willing.
First year pay is also higher at DL, and you don't have to pay for a type rating if you were lacking one prior to applying. Next, DL pays more depending on the size plane you fly. SWA will have only 737s eventually, which means no higher pay scales, and complete boredom after about 5 years. Could you fly multiple leg days for 30 years in ONE plane forever? That would be gawd awful. They are now excited to see San Juan! (If they can find it, the AT guys who got demoted to come over (why again???) can show the Cornies...)
I'll take fewer legs per day, the ability to fly to interesting places, and variety in aircraft and trips over a few extra thousands dollars. Hey, I'll make that up with one greenslip to Rio anyway. It's fantastic!
Bye Bye---General Lee