Originally Posted by
NoValueAviator
While this is true, there is usually some kind of X-factor that plays into those hires. Not always, at least according to the people getting hired themselves (who may not want to admit benefitting from nepotism or whatever), but usually.
I will add my vote to this statement as well. Most going to the majors as FO have SOME box to check that the majority can’t. Read that how you want.
Plenty going to other than major carriers as FO as well. But yes, by the time you become a line holding captain, it gets harder to jump to something that you don’t see as your “final” destination. A lot of factors go into making those decisions that are different for everyone.
That’s why you see lifers at nearly all regionals. You get to a certain age and number on the seniority list you start getting a bit more vacation and more of the schedule you want, particularly if you are living in base. A lot of guys just don’t want to chase the extra money for what may only ten years and start over at the bottom, commuting to reserve and being the FO that has to do the walk around in the snow and rain and no vacation time.