This statement is absolutely ridiculous. I won't discount the issues that are occurring at EK, but for someone to say QOL is better at a regional is delusional. For starters how the hell can any grown man/woman survive on $20-40k living in SFO, LAX, NYC, etc without living well below the poverty line or living in bad neighborhood? The only way this person will live comfortably is they are going to come to a regional with money they saved during their time at EK to supplement their garbage income they will receive at a regional. Only reason I see to make this move is to get back onto US soil, and to start working towards getting onto a US major with the logistical advantage of getting to an interview quickly.