Well, our management at Mesaba are corrupt clowns, as are so many regional management teams.

However, from what I've heard from guys at PCL, you will be treated better at Mesaba. You will still probably get frustrated as an employee, but probably not as frequently or extremely. There are happy guys and unhappy guys at both airlines.

FO pay is higher at Mesaba.

Upgrade is down to 3 years, and will soon be one year (I HAD TO CORRECT THIS, my apologies).

We are still getting the 15 CR200's, they have just been delayed, and we are being told they will resume delivery in November.

At Mesaba, you are an employee on day one, you get your ID on day one, you are paid your monthly guarantee (75 hours) from day one, you can jumpseat from day one (though it takes a couple of weeks to get CASS for upfront), you and your family can nonrev from day one (though it actually takes a week or two to fill out and process the forms).

You get your health coverage and other benefits on the first of the month following your hire month (usually one or two weeks after day one of training).

You will always, absolutely get a free single occupancy hotel room during training (unless you live in the twin cities area). Even local guys can sometimes get the free room if they need it due to a weird sim schedule or distractions at home. This policy can not be changed on a whim by management.

Your longevity begins on day one of training, so your raise comes a lot sooner.

You will always get at least 11 days of at Mesaba. Line holders get from 11 up to 18 days off, with ample lines in the 15 day off range. I have no ideas what the schedules are like at PCL. You will get worked on reserve at either company, but I believe the reserve rules are somewhat better at Mesaba. As an FO you probably wont spend too much time on reserve at either place.

However, you would earn more as a CRJ Capt. at PCL then you would as a SF3 Capt at Mesaba. The CRJ Capt. pay scales are similar between the two companies.