Originally Posted by
272922
I'm not denying that at all.
What I am saying is that I'd rather see an increased flow to mainline be the carrot for CAs, for two reasons:
- No amount of money is going to retain a CA if another Legacy offer comes along.
- Getting a mainline paycheck a year or two sooner has a hell of a lot more monetary value than a retention bonus at a regional.
Increased Captain pay would help with retention and recruiting more than you think. I accepted a job at a regional with the intentions of becoming a regional captain, not an FO. Starting as an FO is what had to happen first to gain the experience and seniority. Higher captain pay is attractive for prospective new hires and current FOs with their eyes set on becoming a captain. Make more money as a Captain while you wait for a Legacy to call or flow to American.