Originally Posted by
PapaMike
There is no best option. Offers will pour in from all the regionals trying to get you in with their sales pitch of potential flying that will have you in the left seat in 12 months, or how their contract is industry leading, or their new-hire bonus makes you a well-paid FO for a year, or their flow will get you the only guaranteed path to a legacy carrier.
When it comes down to it you have to balance all those things above to how it fits within your life and whether it's money, upgrade, flow, or commuting. You won't find all of those anywhere.
No one on here will suggest a company other than their own for purely selfish reasons.
New-hire bonuses can go, flow is not something to hang your hat on, upgrades can turn to furloughs before you get your first set of wings, and a non-commute can be a commute as soon as the major decides they want your company in another city.
^^^This times ten! Only you will know what is best for
you and your personal situation. It seems things in this industry are turning a corner for the better, but the reality is that it still sucks and the RLA will always have us by the balls. Bottom line: There is no "best" regional out there, only the one that works for
you to get yourself to whatever is next on the career path. As previously stated, the koolaid drinkers will try and sell you anything on here for purely selfish reasons.
Do your research and look up any old contacts you may have who are still at the regionals. First hand knowledge from people you know and trust is invaluable. Be careful what you read on this forum as it is 90% b*tching and 10% actual useful info. And that is on a good day.