Originally Posted by
RyanP
Most do, but have become much pickier than they would be without the flow.
I am a CA outside the 824 and now have completely crossed off the list Jetblue, Spirit and Virgin recently, and Especially Frontier where it could take me 7-8 years just to get back to my current hourly rate. They use to all be on my list of actively sought after but not anymore as things grow closer, with the flow working as it has been it would be a huge financial mistake long term to go to one of those places. Not saying they aren't better than here, because they are (well except Frontier if you are a current Captain already).
Most people I know here are in the same boat now. Junior FOs sure, they can go anywhere.. but 6-10+ years of seniority here? Getting to be a lot tougher decision to go LCC if that isn't what you want long term, with big flow numbers looming.. Most people 10+ years of seniority are 90% waiting on AA Flow, or half heartedly seeking the big 3 only, plus a few that really want SWA/ALASKA..
This is the problem of Envoy's ability to paich pilots from other carriers. Most captains at those carriers wouldn't consider starting at the bottom of Envoy for a theortetical slot at AA at some point many years down the road. The more junior, younger F/O's at other regionals for the most part still believe they aren't "over the hill" and/or ARE targeting those LCC carriers and are hesitant to shoot craps starting over at another regional. The true new-hires for regionals are a drop in the bucket and that is unlikely to prop up Envoy at present staffing.
I agree the senior, older pilots at Envoy know the realities and it is they that will take advantage of the AA flow as they should. That serves Parkers need in the present, but Parker loves to claim the world has changed when he needs it to and you can be sure it WILL change again in the relatively near future.