SWA or Delta

[Rank&File]

O.K., I have job offers from Southwest AND Delta. What a predicament!! For one, I could care less where I'm based; I'll be a commuter for life. Two, Southwest guys aren't reqired to wear hats. I like that a lot about them.

I've done lots of research on both. Seriously, it's gonna be hard to turn down either one of them. I've wanted to be a Delta pilot since I was five years old but times have changed. I never thought I'd ask anyone this question: would you take Southwest over Delta?

 

[hockeypilot44]

Everyone's dream job is different. You are in a good situation. Talk this one over with your family and do what is best for them.

 

[ohplease!]

Southwest. No question.

 

[Weasil]

That's quite a decision to make. Both sound like good options. Which one has the sooner start date?

 

[ohplease!]

That's quite a decision to make. Both sound like good options. Which one has the sooner start date?

the better question is: which one has the sooner furlough date?

Answer: delta

 

[ACL65PILOT]

I had a thread on here a few months back that asked the same question. I was in your situation and chose Delta for the same reasons that you want to go to Delta. I felt that even though it was a risk, Delta would fare better over the next 20 years.
It comes down to what you want for a career. Delta is more conservative on their approach to aviation, whereas Southwest is about fun and getting the job done while having fun. That is not to say that Delta people do not have fun, it is just what SWA is known for.
BTW I am very happy with my choice. I have not had a second thought.

 

[ceo_of_the_sofa]

Southwest

 

[temcgrew]

The Hat thing is a very important aspect and deserves more consideration. Don't take the Hat thing lightly, the decision will hang over your head for the next 20 years.

 

[Stifler's Mom]

The Hat thing is a very important aspect and deserves more consideration. Don't take the Hat thing lightly, the decision will hang over your head for the next 20 years.

Nicely done. :beer:

 

[av8er2]

Southwest. Delta will have their troubles again in the future. Look at the last 20+ years. Who has the best track record? Easy answer. Good luck.

 

[John Pennekamp]

Has Southwest ever furloughed?

Has Southwest never gone a whole year without profits?

Has Southwest ever been bankrupt?

Has Southwest ever sacrificed profits for "market share"?

Has Southwest ever been run by a corporate raider with the BOD's consent?

Now ask these questions about Delta. The legacy carriers are cyclical, and within 10 years, they will be back in bankruptcy.

Besides, will you really look good in the double breasted coat? Who does, unless you're a Russian submarine captain?

 

[goahead]

BTW I am very happy with my choice. I have not had a second thought.

Of course not since you've been there what like a month and are still in training....


SOUTHWEST

 

[ACL65PILOT]

True, but I do not subscribe to the party lifestyle at SWA.

 

[Prop2Jet]

Well sounds like you are a girl

So do this: Take one job and if it sucks leave half way through training and go to the other company!

Don't worry Fedx and UPS will always take you if it does not work out.

 

[norskman2]

Not that current regional pilots don't have good opinions on this question, and yes, it's obvious from the answers that many DAL/SWA pilots troll the regionals board, but you might want to try posting the question on the Majors board as well.

 

[Prop2Jet]

OOO yah and if you are not a girl wow congrats!

 

[GogglesPisano]

You're asking the wrong people. Don't disappoint the 5-year-old still inside you. Follow your heart.

 

[Heavy Set]

Up until 9-11 and the questionable dealings of some of their top managment, Delta was probably the strongest airline out there, with constant profits. I think they learned a lot about what went wrong, and have now decided on an approach with a better mix of international and domestic flights. When the dollar is weak, like right now, Delta gets more passengers from Europe and other countries to fly to the USA where things are a bargain. When that is reversed, they will fly people from the USA to international destinations.

Next, you have to look at how Southwest and Delta will handle future competition. How will the new low cost carriers affect them, like Skybus and Virgin Am ? I would also look at the type of flying they do and see if you want to do that the rest of your career. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Soverytired]

the better question is: which one has the sooner furlough date?

Answer: delta

Maybe. Going to be lots of retirement going on at Delta. You'll probably move up faster at Delta than at Southwest.

And Delta (unlike United, for example), really put it's house in order during the BK.

 

[Soverytired]

True, but I do not subscribe to the party lifestyle at SWA.

I thought I was the only one who had that reservation.

Guess that makes two of us.