So in essence the rumors are BS. Not surprising really.

At least at UAL from the hiring gods directly, there are thousands lined up. When the app window opened they got 6000 apps in first 2 weeks. I know of several people with 5 or 6 recs and family on property who can't get an interview. Hiring is bizarre calculus none of us will ever understand.

One thing I've learned about flying and rumors: bet on its usually too good to be true and reality is much more stark and less warm and fuzzy than the wishful thinking pilots create.

Quite a few blow hards a few years ago going on about how would never work at various majors and how they suck and the how great their left seat regional job is...now calling for rec letters.

Truth is its been really damn hard to make it to a regional, even harder to upgrade and hardest yet to make it to a major in a timely manner. Hope that changes soon for all you bubbas, but for now it's still a tough row to hoe. Wouldn't wish what I've had to do on anyone.