FWIW, I think these are the type of posts that give AT pilots and outsiders the impression that SWA pilots view others as "inferior". In 18 years I've personally flown with probably 20 guys that got hired at SWA, in addition to about 20 guys who applied and didn't get hired. I can assure you that while most who left for SWA were great pilots/people there were a couple real head scratchers. By the same token a few of the best pilots/people I've ever flown with were turned down (some multiple times).
The AT group is proud of the airline it has built in spite of abusive management. In only 17 years it has grown to become a major airline with a better contract than some legacies. We are used to having to fight for survival, and when you imply that we are somehow not as good as you because xyz it only calls upon that pride that we've used to battle with Delta, SWA, and our management. You see, we've had to do more with less and done it well enough that you bought us rather than compete against us. The more you tell your little brother he's not as good, the harder he works to prove he is... This is why the more we are told what a crappy stepping stone airline we work for, we fight back harder. It's that pride that will help us fit in well with SWA. I will admit that sometimes it feels disrespectful.
Make no mistake, we realize it is a BLESSING to have an opportunity to be a part of SWA. We are not greedy or unappreciative and I can assure you we want the culture to thrive moving forward. In my opinion SWA is the best job in the biz, but please stop trying to convince us that our airline sucked and we are barely worthy of sharing the air with you. I'd bet a $100, 5 years from now you couldn't tell whether a SWA pilot was hired or acquired by watching he/she perform their duties.
More bees with honey fellas...
Happy 4th!!!