Tommy Turbine, Yes there is a "flow through" to Continental, but it was negotiated in 1997 and unless you are lower than #800 on the seniority list the flow through will probably expire before you get to flow through. I think it is up for re-negotiation in 2002, so who knows, anything can happen. CAL, COEX and SWA are the three great American airlines to work for. generally the people who work for these are happy to be there. That says a lot.
"Liberated women," ha!, yes, I totally agree. The totty is definately rampant, but as for having a nice cup of coffee and enjoying your homelife and your kids, this place is botz. Porn stars have their place, but I really don't want one for a wife!?
As for what Upgrade is talking about in terms of a "real" job you need more than an ATP in the US, I have no idea. I got hired as FO on the ATR 42-320 for COEX with 954 total time and 160 MEL. Commercial multi instrument/ CFI. I'd call FO for the 3rd largest short haul major airline (the US DOT defines a "major airline" as one with revenues over some large number and COEX qualifies) as a "real job..."
It's a great time to be a pilot.