SWA vs CAL

[lonestarpilot]

I posted this thread in the regionals as well. I have yet to interview at either, but have good contacts at both. Which would be better for a Houston based Dad, regardless of pay? I don't want to hear the normal "whichever calls first hires first" but I would like some feedback from guys at both. I understand IAH/HOU is mid-senior at both.

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[puddlejumper101]

you don't have that problem yet if you have not interviewed with either. Knowing people at SWA does very little in geting an interview...it only helps after you have interviewed. with that being said QOL at SWA is light years ahead from CAL...but that can change

 

[FR8dognit]

I don't know about CAL, but at SWA we can easily trade trips and get days off without much hassle. I have had many events come up in the year and a half I've been here and had no problems getting the days off I needed. (with the exception of Christmas) I even lucked out and got Thanksgiving off my first year. Took me 3 months to get to HOU...it will be longer now though due to the hiring slowdown and new crew base opening.
Also...I am barely holding a line now and with ELITT (our trip trading tool) I have been able to get most Sundays off and some full weekends....which is great because the kids are off on the weekends. Hope this helps. Good luck with the process....it is nerve racking but well worth it.
FR8

 

[crj410]

Depends what your short and long term objectives are. What you want out of your career. Multiple aircraft type ratings, oversees flying or quality of life.
Both are excellent companies to work for. Then again anything can change, It's the airline industry. Take a look at each companies track record, both finacially and labor relations wise.

Then choose the first one that hires you:laugh:

 

[lonestarpilot]

For everyone thats posted a meaningful response, thank you. As you all know, this is a life changing move. Do those of you at SWA think that it will be 100% necessary to have the 737 type rating to get a call when they start interviewing agin? And if so, where would you go to get it?

 

[puddlejumper101]

it increases your chance for an interview by 1000%...with a type and 1000 PIC you are sitting just as competitive as 5000 PIC, instructor, no type. if SWA is what you want then get the type no questions asked. As to where? a type is a type...Higher Power was great when I went through but that makes no difference. What matters is cost and time it takes to get it.

 

[vixin]

The PD is saying they will only be interviewing those with the type when hiring resumes.

 

[jet1man]

Spoke with the people department a few weeks ago, and they said those with the type would probably be the only ones called when the interviewing resumes next year.

Vixen beat me too it!! Anyway, thats obviously the same info I got.

 

[LJDRVR]

I can't answer fo the SWA side of things, but CO has been very good to me so far. Consider the following:

New and better contract coming.

We fly to more cities than any airline on the planet, with a variety of equipment available to you.

Well-run operation where you have a real shot at movement. Many retirements over the next several years, much lower chance of stagnation than WN.

Variety. Our 737 operation spans from Japan to Calgary to the Bahamas to Guayaqil.

I know I'm biased and would feel the opposite way had things been different, but I'm happy to be at Continental.

PS- PBS sucks

 

[ACWild]

with that being said QOL at SWA is light years ahead from CAL...but that can change

That's a very relative statement. I'm a low-man on the 777 and I hold a line doing three trips a month. 6 legs a month with almost half of it sleeping in a bunk with some good meals to boot. Although this type of lifestyle isn't for everyone, I'd take my QOL over a SW schedule any day. Just a different opinion to throw in the mix.

 

[ToThePain]

That's a very relative statement. I'm a low-man on the 777 and I hold a line doing three trips a month. 6 legs a month with almost half of it sleeping in a bunk with some good meals to boot. Although this type of lifestyle isn't for everyone, I'd take my QOL over a SW schedule any day. Just a different opinion to throw in the mix.

Just don't eat the fruit in Delhi ...Or use the LAV on the way back....the 777 is THE way to go.....

 

[FlyinGuy]

SWA has hired a ton of FO's over the past 4 years. Since CAL is just ramping up their hiring, your seniority might go up faster there if you can get on in the next year or so. As far as living in HOU...they might be a wash.

 

[ACWild]

Just don't eat the fruit in Delhi ...Or use the LAV on the way back....the 777 is THE way to go.....

The two times that I got "Delhi Belly" were from eating the fruit on the homebound flight.:0

 

[puddlejumper101]

That's a very relative statement. I'm a low-man on the 777 and I hold a line doing three trips a month. 6 legs a month with almost half of it sleeping in a bunk with some good meals to boot. Although this type of lifestyle isn't for everyone, I'd take my QOL over a SW schedule any day. Just a different opinion to throw in the mix.

while I don't disagree, I have also heard that moving your schedule at CAL is a bit of a headache. The 777 deal might be sweet but ask the guys doing 6 atlantic crossings a month on the 757/767 out of EWR if they feel the same way. CAL is a great company don't get me wrong but I doubt you can do with your schedule there what we can do here...that's what I mean by QOL. From day one QOL at SWA is top notch, you don't have to wait to be a 777 driver to have a great QOL. QOL to me is days off...and the ability to move your schedule around to suit whatever it is you have going on at home. getting "stuck" with a trip here does not happen very often.

not all of the guys and gals at CAL have the opportunity to fly the 777 and have your QOL. Consider yourself lucky I guess. Here, except for reserve (if that), everyone has a shot at a great schedule reguardless of seniority.

 

[ACWild]

while I don't disagree, I have also heard that moving your schedule at CAL is a bit of a headache. The 777 deal might be sweet but ask the guys doing 6 atlantic crossings a month on the 757/767 out of EWR if they feel the same way. CAL is a great company don't get me wrong but I doubt you can do with your schedule there what we can do here...that's what I mean by QOL. From day one QOL at SWA is top notch, you don't have to wait to be a 777 driver to have a great QOL. QOL to me is days off...and the ability to move your schedule around to suit whatever it is you have going on at home. getting "stuck" with a trip here does not happen very often.

not all of the guys and gals at CAL have the opportunity to fly the 777 and have your QOL. Consider yourself lucky I guess. Here, except for reserve (if that), everyone has a shot at a great schedule reguardless of seniority.

No argument here. I bring up the 777 because new hires have made it into this plane. Believe it or not, the 777 isn't seniority exclusive. As I've said before, this type of lifestyle isn't for everyone. Some people actually like to work.
I started out in the 737. Life below our "splat line" was brutal with the advent of PBS. On that side of the fence, SW wins hands-down for QOL. Jmho.

 

[Daddy]

A newhire at SWA can plan on a 10 year upgrade or so...but a merger with another ALPA carrier at CAL could be disastrous...just go with who hires you first

 

[puddlejumper101]

i would not base my next move on upgrade times...no one can predict the future, so trying to figure out where the quickest upgrade will happen is not smart in my eyes unless the upgrade is reachable within 6 months of getting hired. this is a marathon not a race anymore...IMHO being a Captain is important BUT trying to predict the future is impossible. Enjoy the journey not the destination that's what I would base my opinion on. Both CAL and SWA are great companies but internally they are VERY different.