Tranny1. your friend is telling you this? By the tone of your posts you are taking the word of a disgruntled employee, fired former employee (hence disgruntled) or someone who really doesn't like working for SA, which frankly represents a small minority . Listen, your buddy makes a good few arguments but there are some outrageous and simply off base statements.

I'm a simple line pilot, I'm not based at the mothership (LA) and have no close connections with the company management. I just happy to show up to the plane every day. So let me address a few things from my perspective only:

First of All: Most of the CAs who have worked for the regionals left because of industry BS, your friend is right. However, I've yet to meet one that was bitter because of it, and the ones I've known in the company are all happy they are at SA. Most came to SA because they wanted the QoL of being at home to hang out with their wife and kids. Gee, most regional pilots give up flying because of their kids and hardships, SA requires a pay cut but still allows you to fly.

Secondly: If any FO thinks they will get to the Majors with SEL Turbine Time only, they were smoking something going into it. Surf Air has NEVER sold the lie that you can make the majors based on SEL TT only, thats simply foolish. Additionally, I have NEVER heard the CEO or Chief Pilot say/announce/hint you can make it to Virgin America based on Surf Air time alone. Yes its true that we have a company agreement with Virgin America to ride on their aircraft (SA is non-CASS). Its true that SA's C-staff have connections with Virgin C-Staff, but any RUMOR saying that SA has promised a flow to Virgin is just that, RUMOR. The only Rumors I've heard however was a flow to a regional which doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, but I'm sure some FO's would like that.

Third of ALL: Pay. Yes your friend is right, $29/hr with a 72hr guarantee WILL NOT pay the bills in CA unless you live with someone, you take on CFI side work or a part time job, or your significant other has a good job. Frankly though, starting pay is LESS at compass, skywest, horizon, etc. even more so after you add in union fees, eating out, etc. After 6 months SA's $36/Hr is actually higher than Compass (2 years) as FO, and just a little lower than Skywest after 2 years as FO (CRJ7)...Oh then you have to factor in QoL of sleeping in your own bed, waking up next to your wife, playing with your kids. QoL > Pay. Captain pay IS lower than Regional jet captain pay hands down, but again those who stay do it for QoL first, building time second (one of our CA's has a 747-400 rating with 9000+ hrs).

Fourth of All: Time on Vs. Time Off. Yes there are people in NorCAL who have 8 days off a month! And yes they are flying 100-122 hours (two people this month). BUT those two REQUESTED max hours! And to say that being overworked by working 85 hours is ludicrous! Most captains are working between 75-85 hours (some less!), and most typically get between 11-15 days off. NORCAL is understaffed right now, but there were a bunch of new hires and that trend is going down over time. I've never had a month with less than 14 days off, and never had more than 90 hours a month at the bases I've been to. Plus 85 hours still gives me 15-16 days off.

Fifth: A FEW pilots commute long distance. Some decide to stay at a place, but most don't choose hotels (some do crash pads). SA is really good at trying to place you in base, some bases are OVER staffed with CA's (Carlsbad) which there are a few CA's that have been with the company for a few years waiting to get in that base. However, the longest commute at SA is usually under 2 hours of driving (yes that sucks, but a hell of a lot better than commuting Jump seat on your days off to your crash pad, which you pay for as well).

Lastly: There are a few people that are actively leaving, I'm sure of it. Some dont like the job (a few with every company), some are moving up or over (lateral move to corporate), but few express that they are disgruntled. But I, and the vast majority of people I fly with think that SA does treat their pilots well. Sure I can't necessarily agree with everything the company does, some things don't make sense from a line pilot's perspective (MOST airline pilots agree with more conviction). But never once have I been mistreated or felt like the company didn't have us in their best interest.

Just my two cents, take it how you want, but I'm certainly content that I have a quality job.