Originally Posted by
NedsKid
Right on. I was hired in 2003, left in 2007. Different regional, same result. Only 2 guys from my original new hire class at Mesa are still there. A couple bailed to Skywest for a 'better QOL'. They're all still there. The other 20 or so are at Southwest, Delta, United, JetBlue, Atlas, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Spirit, Virgin America etc.
My advice, as someone who's made the move: get hired, take the first available upgrade, and get out as soon as you can. If that opportunity is likely to happen fastest at Mesa or Compass right now, then that's where I'd want to get hired today.
Good luck.
Again, same point I made above. Getting hired in 2002-2004 at a regional was the golden days of the regional jet industry. Tons of RJs were delivered while mainline 737-200s, classics, DC9s, F100s, 727s were parked. Guys started at a regional and with the explosive growth were able to upgrade very quickly, get their time, and get out. Those hired today at regionals should know the explosive growth at the regional level is mostly gone. Age 65 killed movement for anyone starting at a regional in 2007. No regional airline is getting 100+ airplanes like they were back in 2002-2003. Now they are all parking 50 seaters and some are "lucky" to get some 70/90 seaters to help as replacements.