With the recent additions of both SW and DL having free, in-house recruiting events, it represents a positive change from the previous monopoly of the cartel-like structures of the national job fairs and the huge expenses required.

Only thing is, this new format has understandably led to huge interest, with them selling out in mere hours or even minutes. With no real admissions requirements they've led to a cutthroat, first come/first served format. If you're in the air at the time that it opens, you're out of luck.. If you're at your kid's soccer game when it opens, you're out of luck.

I realize this is pie in the sky, but it'd be great if, to ensure attendance by the most serious applicants, that both airlines (and to those considering this format in the future) set requirements like having an app already on file, PIC time or at least a few years experience at 121/corporate/mil.
Last week I was unable to secure a spot, meanwhile my F/O who's literally only been in the industry for a year got one. He didn't even have a delta app on file and was later asking me questions about getting his logbook started.

Not trying to sound pitiful or whiny in anyway but after 13+ yrs at a regional and finally hiring being substantial enough to offer a chance, now that job fair tickets have started to become more like a lottery, it's become a head-scratcher. In the past it seemed more like merit and experience were stressed for admission to that one last airline, but it seems like the industry is evolving more into an "American Idol" format instead of the previous years of touring and gaining experience, to use a crude music industry metaphor.

Sorry for what seems like a vent, just really am looking forward to having a shot at working where you work......but the "front door" there seems to be no longer the way in. And there's some of us still looking for the side door for that short cut in.