That's the problem with the flow. Misunderstanding, and the way it has been misrepresented by recruiters. When you flow, you go right back to year one pay, and for some Captains here this will mean a pay cut the first year. As many others have said, you will likely be at a major much quicker than waiting on flow. If you lack a degree, have multiple check ride failures, DUI's, or other skeletons, than the flow may be a good back up. But I would caution against this as well as American has shown that they can make modifications to the flow. With the most recent being that you need 2 years time as pic at one of the WO's before you are eligible. They could easily add the degree requirement for flow, or ban someone with a DUI, or check ride failures. They have a brand to protect, and want quality pilots just as much as the next airline, and if they feel flow has lowered the quality of pilots, they will make modifcations.

For now, someone with less than 2 years to flow, it is an awesome benefit.