Trust me, I have worked at two regionals, Spirit is far better and I would never dream of taking a step back. I'm not delusional and think Spirit is "just better than my regional mentality "
Spirit is lacking in many ways, mostly in the compensation category. Healthcare is very good, 4 days (supposed to be 5 between pairings) is great. Pay, Long term disability, 9% match to 401k and real training, not ulcc cheapo air training all need significant improvements.
Now would I come here if I had a choice at the time between Delta, AA, United, Fedex, he'll no. I got here before any of those were doing significant hiring. Will I settle for less than I think we should get, hell no.
Spirit can afford to compensate us a hell of a lot more than they are. 5 years down the road the Spirit name will not exist. Hopefully that will happen as a result of a buyout rather than a hull lose. There are still some very sharp guys coming through, but the experience level is beginning to lack and there are a few that need much more ojt than Spirit line guys usually do. The flying that is done here is a bit more on your own and risky than at a mainline carrier that has special qualification airports or International vs domestic pilots. You are expected to do all of it. One day flying to LBE, CLE or LAX, the next flying to CTG, GUA red eyes and never have been there because one certifies you for all.
This place is cheap, a risk to your career daily with many gotchas. We take on risks here more than the legacy guys do. We should be compensated for that. It's pathetic now but will be fixed.
As far as my friends who bailed the company out yesterday, like you, I am very mission minded. I feel the need to sign in on time or early, complete a trip as safely and efficiently as possible and give our customers their $89 worth of service. I can tell you that the company has had time to prepare for the holidays and staffing, I feel bad for the customers and I certainly can understand and put myself in their shoes, but it is not my job to bail out this econo air operation because of their lack of planning. I was called 5 times Christmas Eve, never answered once. My time is better spent with my family when I have my time off. That is time I will never get back.