The problem with flow agreements (from a pilot's perspective)

• Require management to keep a promise to hire pilots (something management has a lousy track record at)
• Still requires the pilot to give up their longevity at the door
• Does not protect pilots at mainline, or the flow up carrier, from whipsaw
• Does not protect pilots at mainline, or the flow up carrier, from furlough
• Give pilot an empty promise in exchange for (usually) lower pay rates and stagnation

In the case of Mesaba / Pinnacle, it is my opinion flow agreements make less sense from a management perspective. At Delta's wholly owned carriers you had Delta managers running the show to Delta's standards. ASA flight operations is still run by a former Delta Flight Operations Manager. (C.T.) Further, I would hope Delta feels some sense of compassion for the Comair pilots.

The Mesaba / Pinnacle flow was to Northwest. An airline which merged, but which no longer exists.

Just my opinions about other's opinions. 10,000 hour Captains can be taught an after landing flow (it had been eight years since I'd ever done one). Overall, flying at Delta is much easier than flying at a regional. Dispatch and Maintenance rarely throw you under the bus. The Douglas equipment can be a challenge for pure RJ guys (going backwards 30 years in systems tech) but will feel like home for old school turboprop drivers.

Last I've heard Delta intends to honor the flows. Don't know how they will handle some of the specific issues (which can't be discussed on a web board).