Being one of the guys that spent so e time at NJA and a Legacy I can say without a doubt the airline is better for many reasons. In schedule, seniority, money, time off etc etc...

I am at a place that is actually in the middle of the road in terms of upgrade. In year 6 now. Could have held 717 Captain 6 months ago. A guy 8 months senior to me is going 767 Captain.

Most importantly within a year or so I will be above the 50% line.. half the company would have to be furlought to get to my number! If I was at NJA I'd still be making $120k less and in the bottom 10-15%. So in essence, no real savings ability, plus furlough prone.

If your a newhire or looking at NJA for employment, the lack of movement in a historically volitile industry is reason enough to pass on it. Most who are looking at NJA are probably pretty new to aviation, ie <10YRS. Furloughs can happen on a dime.

If you're wanting to eventually go to an airline. Do the regional thing. Skip NJA