One of the most intelligent discussions on this topic ever, even though it's off topic.

Seniority is always there at most large organizations but may be more informal and without providing entitlements. Seniority can still be used for day to day stuff like schedule bidding, jumpseat priority, etc. It would help to create an incentive for pilots to stick with one company without forcing them to stick with one company.

Think how much money regional airlines could save on training costs without entitlement bidding and entitlement upgrades. They could continue to be a starting point for low time pilots at low pay building experience while still being able to attract and retain the experienced pilots they need at higher pay.

Maybe it needs to start at the regional level. The way I see it it's the only way the regionals can beat their self imposed "pilot shortage."

The way I see it now...the regionals exploited the unionized seniority system too much and now that they are major players in the competition to fill cockpits they've found they're overextended. The old game simply won't work for them anymore.