Even if the money looks to be sort of close between the good regionals and the majors, take a look under the surface at things like benefits and retirement. The "good" regionals seem to have a 10-15 year life span and then "POOF". Look at the past leaders. Prinair, Ransome, Henson, I bet many of you have never even heard of some of them. On a shorter horizon you are seeing the downfall of Comair, AMR Eagle, Air Wisconsin, and ASA. Skywest looks good now but they'll have their day. Over a career you are much better off at the major even if the money looks to be close at the moment.