There has NEVER been a pilot shortage at the Legacy carriers. At the regional's and part 135 ops; yes. Also, it is MUCH more of a pay shortage than a pilot shortage.

Most of us have been in this industry long enough to experience at least one pilot staffing swing. I have been through two; 2001 and 2008. There was a rampant hiring approaching both of those and then it dropped of a cliff. I am not expecting another 2001 or 2008 but the current hiring environment will inevitably swing back the other direction like it always does.

Its musical chairs. Keep moving while the music is playing but be ready to sit indefinitely in whatever chair you pick.

The bonus at the regional's are great for a year or two but its not going to look nearly as good if the hiring slows and upgrades start to increase again. Not trying to be pessimistic but I have seen it happen too many times. When the bonuses run out its going to be tough to go from $70K per year do $30K with nothing else in sight.