Originally Posted by
Bzzt
Assuming that regional lifers are "failures" is absolutely ridiculous. For alot of people QOL at a regional is better than at a mainline. If the regional becomes a viable career option it drives more flying to the mainline due to lack of cost saving from outsourcing. If your goal is to transfer to a legacy carrier accepting substandard wages and benefits based on the idiotic "stepping stone" theory is completely counterproductive to your goals.
Haven't you been paying attention? 5 years ago, regionals were an acceptable career destination for those you describe. Now, every regional is facing massive concessions (particularly pay caps that destroy lifer pay), or parking of 50 seaters resulting in massive shrinkage.
I would hate to be a lifer at a regional, more than 10 years from retirement, with no other options right now.