I gave up $30/hr in pay to come here. Simply put better qol. I live in and near a second one. The second would be a faster path to a legacy. Regional FOs sure are getting paid but aren’t getting hours and it’s looking like 4+ years to get the hours to be competitive at legacies. Not to mention legacies will look more favorably at you since they see it as taking a pilot from a competitor.

There’s also the prospect that regional pay is only going to outpace spirit for a couple months as they are negotiating new rates as well. I don’t see their pay being less than regional pay once all is said and done. Needless to say even at the current rate by the end of year 2 at spirit you’ve basically broken even since youre $30/hr less than first year and about $30/hr more year two. By year 3 you’re making captain level pay at the regional. (I know I’m stretching some numbers but I’m not splitting hairs over a few dollars.)