All the large US carriers will ultimately collapse with the demise of the dollar, oil prices and further deregulation of the skys. They will be replaced by eastern and middle-eastern airlines with whom they cannot compete.
Expectation of salaries will be lower and the profession will take another notch down. Perhaps now is the time to take stock and wonder if another profession might be in order while age and finance still allow a new start.
In 10 years time, these salaries will look very good. Much like they did 10 years ago.