Originally Posted by DBono

OK, I'll bite. Like Moose, I applied here because I'd heard and read that XJT had good QOL, so I'm not happy to hear about the stuff going on. But it's not clear to me what the better choice would be. XJT new hires don't have the choice of going to a ULCC or they probably would. Same for most of the ACMIs and even the upper tier fractionals/charters. So it's probably XJT or other regionals.

Personally, I need to be based at DFW or IAH. That narrows it down a bit. Here are the choices I think I had:

1) SkyWest - long training delays, long reserve times for DFW or IAH. Less than stellar reserve rules? Still probably #2 choice.
2) Envoy - got the pay raise finally, but DFW is senior, crummy reserve rules. Reading their forum, they don't seem too happy over there, even after the raise, lots of QOL complaints.
3) Mesa - questionable long term future for the E175s at IAH. Same for the AA flying out of DFW. Reserve and overall QOL not as good as XJT. Lower pay, but maybe the ability to make up for it with extra flying. Currently overstaffed on FO's for E175s (all IAH). 30 of their 60 E175s are up for contract renewal and are not yet renewed by UA.
4) Republic - great airline, QOL, pay, but IAH is very senior and very small. Republic has a history of closing and opening bases frequently, so it's a little unclear if IAH even lasts.

So for someone looking for DFW or IAH, right at ATP mins, is there really a better choice?

DBono