Sincere congrats to you sir! You hit it good!

Nevertheless, the upgrade chase is and always has been a crap shoot. That fact should NOT be minimized. ^^That^^ guy hit it; others may not receive the same blessing. If you don't hit, you risk either suck pay for longer than you expected or worse, you start over at -another- regional and take suck pay for at -least- another year. If you do, hey, you get to make a few more bags of peanuts while you wait on the mainline and also get to have the decision of settling for a career as a regional CA or continuing on for the big win with the majors!

To the guys considering rolling the upgrade dice: consider your situation and your age.

If you're young (23-30) and single, why not? You got time and freedom to gamble! Would probably be fun! I would, but I feel that I'm too old for that .

Also, most majors have dropped the turbine PIC requirement. Regional FOs are getting hired into mainline right seats left and right. Why chase an upgrade anymore unless you simply want to run your own jet ASAP?

Regional CA pay is good, but on average:

-1st year mainline FO makes the same as all regional CAs with 4-5 years seniority or less.

-2nd year mainline FO makes more than ANY regional CA, no matter the seniority.

If you have dependents, take the safest route for your family.

Some of the best advice I've recently heard is to look at the worst case scenario for each regional. Apply to places you wouldn't mind getting stuck for awhile.

After that, the commute should be the strongest deciding factor. Commuting will ruin your pockets and stress your life faster than anything. Exhibit only the highest level of professionalism at all times while you're there and get your apps out to the majors the day you finish IOE. The next 5-10 years are going to be exciting so stay ready to catch the wave when it comes your way! All the 'bags are going to be left behind so don't be one!