Originally Posted by XHooker

This might come across as harsh, but if he doesn't take the job, he gets what he deserves in this career. A regional isn't a destination or stand alone company... it's just a vendor dependent on whatever major(s) it attaches itself to by underbidding the other regionals. It's an ever downward cycle and when the majors don't need you, they'll throw you away and you'll be out on the street... ask the former Independence Air pilots. Seniority is nice and I'm sure your life right now is "comfortable" but that comfort isn't nearly as secure as you think... ask the former Comair pilots. I've never heard of a regional pilot who believed they made the right move by staying at a regional unless they were very old or had no other options.

Life at a major will be tough at first... if you've got kids (expensive) and you don't work (significantly reduced income) it'll be tough at first. There's no guarantee against furlough at UAL, though at this point in the cycle I find it highly unlikely. Notice how many have said stay at the regional? The reality is you have no choice.