Originally Posted by 271c

I absolutely would prefer the retention bonuses get rolled in to pay raises. And if airlines start taking away retention bonuses (Envoy, Endeavor, etc.) prior to upgrades, yep -- that'll be a problem. I'm no fortune teller, but if they do pull them away, I think management would see FOs start to trickle out. Only time will tell.

But I think your approx numbers prove my point -- clearing 60k as an FO, disregarding any BS "sign on" bonuses -- is absolutely possible -- and I do it myself. You can 1) bid for credit lines WELL above 72 hours; 2) bid 72 hours with more days off and pick up OT when it goes to critical coverage; 3) save your per diem as a personal choice to boost your take home pay a bit. I really don't feel like I work myself to death, at all, to get to that number either. It was my target amount going into this game, and without much effort I make that amount happen.

That said, I don't disagree -- if Envoy, or anyone else, starts yanking continued-payout "bonuses," the math doesn't work as well for getting to 60k. That'll be a discussion to have in a few years, assuming they aren't negotiated into pay raises by then...