The biggest problem is there are a lot of guys like me at the regionals. We lucked out, timed it right, upgraded and then all of the crap hit the fan. There was little to no hiring for most of the early 2000s. Interviews we're hard to come by. I admit I had an interview at a major with a purple tail once and I blew it. When this happened I got discouraged and lazy. I stopped updating my logbook, didn't bother applying for Delta or United.

I was starting to get good schedules, holidays and pay I realized so why not just hang my hat here? I was able to justify it in my mind for a couple years and then 2008 happened. The economy took a dump, fuel was at a record high, and soon after Delta started trying to terminate contracts with any loophole they could find.

At this point I realized that it could happen to anyone. It motivated me to go back to school(yes I was one of those fools who got the worthless aviation degree). I was so focused on flying and I just wanted the fasted degree possible. Going back to school was one of the hardest things I have had to do but I was able to get a degree in accounting/finance. I still want to fly but it feels good having something to fall back on. I am focuesd on getting hired at a major now.

Even if you have over a decade put in like I do it is still better financially to goto a major unless you are in your late 40s/50s. Bottom line is don't be like me. Don't ever get too comfy at a Regional and always keep your resumes updated. There is no shame in making a reginonal your home, especially if it is best for your family. The problem is anyone can be ComAir'd which sucks. I wouldn't blame Delta because the 50 seaters were going away anyway.