It totally varies by airline...these are VERY good questions to ask, but you will need to look at the specifics of the airline(s) you are considering working for.

Here's what I know, (SKY and mesa)

1. See the pay rates on the APC Airline Profiles (top of your page)
2. Guarantee: SKW: 75/month Mesa: 76/Month
3. Complicated, but SKW has much better workrules...I usually get awarded an 80-90 hour line, fly 75-85, and credit 100-110. At mesa you would get a 85 hour line, fly 75, and credit 76 (the guarantee).
4. Deadhead pay: When the company requires you to travel as a passenger (often to start or end a trip). SKW: 100% of block time. Mesa: 50% of block (2 hour max).
5. Basically you get per diem anytime you are on duty. Also, if you are in training or assigned to be on reserve in town other than your domicile you will get per diem the whole time. SKW: $1.60/hour mesa: $1.21/hour
6. SKW provides your first uniform issue, except for your jacket (and hat, if you're silly enough to buy an optional hat). You then get a generous yearly allowance to buy replacement items. Mesa will reimburse you for half of some uniform expenses.
7. SKW is OK, nothing great. Mesa is veryy crappy...I think the FA's have a $25,000 LIFETIME cap on health benefits they can receive.

Note: Anything you are entitled to at mesa will require EXTREME effort on your part to actually get. They will shortchange you on EVERYTHING, and hope you are too tired to fight it. Unless you are willing to vigorously and continuously document, complain and harrass, you can safely reduce your expected compensation by 5-10% to account for their shortchanging you.


Paychecks are done differently. SKW: You get paid for what you actually flew in the last two weeks. Mesa: You get paid 40 hours on the first paycheck of the month, and then you get paid the what you flew minus 40 hours, plus all your per diem on the second paycheck.