O.K. I'll come clean...I left SWA after a very short tour and went to FDX. Like you I was in both hiring pools at the same time and SWA came in with the first class date. 6 Months later FDX called.
Had I been with SW longer, say over a year or two I probably would not have left. Great Company, super people. Like some have eluded to your 'situation' should dictate where you go. Look at the domiciles because not commuting makes either job a whole lot easier. SW offers more choices here. What type of flying do you want to do? I didn't want to spend 30 more years in a 737...not even the 700's/900's. As far as trying to categorize the type of flying you will have at FedEx you can pretty well have your pick. Sorry but some of the previous threads regarding "mostly night flying" is inaccurate, and yes that's due primarily to the postal flying. We have a day time sort that occurs at all of our hubs that has us flying close to 50% of all flights during the day time. This contract was just renewed with the Post Office for another 7 years. Ya, I know I can hear you typing now..but what if the contract goes away...blah , blah, blah what if, what if. Nobody has a crystal ball and who the hell knows whats going to happen tomorrow never mind 10 or 15 years from now. Look at the history of the industry on both sides. Which one has an established record of profits and continued growth. How many pax airlines have gone away? how many cargo? The airline industry has been the only industry in the U.S. that is still in operation, to post more in revenue losses than overall gains. I know SW has been a shining star within that group and I hope they can continue to perform that way for a long time to come. But the profit and loss statements aren' t even close.
If you have the time try to get the bid packs from both airlines and look at the trips. Don't talk to any friends at either airline unless they can tell you about the 'job' and not try to convince you why their Company is better. When we answer a question like that from our buds we are usually trying to justify in our own minds why we are in the 'best place '.
As far a the single v. married thing. It may have an impact if you can STAY SINGLE at SWA. Good Luck...absolutely, hands down SWA the winner, but the FA isn't funding my retirement, nor do I want to fund hers.
I can go on and on over the details but my situation is not yours. For myself it was a great decision but I'm sure I would have had a great time had I stayed at SWA. Like the one guy said you wont know for sure until retirement. Either way I think both companies will definitely get you there which is what its all about! Good Luck and have fun.
