Originally Posted by
Cujo665
the only thing I'd add is that "regionals" in most cases have become acceptable careers themselves. The compensation and contracts read more like an ULCC or LCC did just a few years ago. Many would choose living 20 minutes from base at a regional over a career of commuting. Are there outliers like CommutAir that still rely on pilots not being willing to sign a training contract, yep. But the better regionals are actually nothing like they were in the 2000's or 20 teens.
All true except for one thing...
Fee For departure (FFD). They all rely on mostly short term contracts with various legacies for their existence. Look back to 2020 and see what happens when regionals lose their contracts, or what happens if the owner just decides he's done with the company.
Also the current relatively high pay can and likely will be knocked back over time, simply by shuffling flying around some to put regional unions on the back foot, and letting inflation take it's toll.
I'm still sticking with the pearl of wisdon acquired by many over the years: It's probably going to be a better career if the logo on your plane matches the logo on your paycheck.
Originally Posted by
Cujo665
Most of these better regionals aren't even regional anymore. They operate coast to coast, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico and even South America. Many are more of a national or even technically, an ACMI with long term CPA's......which is probably most accurate. We just separate the ACMI from "regionals" by the plane size and type of flying.
There are many 737/767/777 operators that fly passenger sub service for other airlines, just usually short term contracts.... but it's the same general idea.
The range of the flying isn't the issue, unless you really want 30 hour layovers at CDG. It's the contractual nature, which of course also applies to ACMI's.
With contracts, some manager way up the chain at another company can just cut you loose with 30 days notice (often in late Dec). They will then go home, knock back some $400 scotch and sleep like a baby.
For a manager at a major to do that, they have to put their own job on the line in BK court. So basically they're largely stuck with you. For a routine downturn, you don't even take a paycut if you're even a little bit senior. If you do get furloughed, you know you'll be back soon enough.