Originally Posted by
Cujo665
All regionals are not the same. I know you guys just got raises and a few good CBA changes but frankly it's still far behind the leading regionals. Compared to how things were in the 2000's and 20 teens, the current better regionals are actually darn good jobs. Picking a regional is as important as picking a legacy. They are not all the same.
Now, the LCC/ULCC and legacies all improved greatly too over the period. That said for many that live in the base, a regional career is very appealing and if you think all is sunshine and palm trees at the legacy your'e mistaken. They have their issues too. Long term career wise you can't beat the money at a legacy, but both the LCC/ULCC and Regionals are certaily legitimate options as well. Living in base at a regional is generally a much better QOL that any commuting. So, it comes down to what is most important to you? Money, or QOL? Now, if you can move easily.... get to that Legacy and live in base. Best of both issues.
Finally, I'll add that flying your own brand has long term security value. You aren't going to be subject to a whipsaw flying your own brand. This gives the edge again to going to the LCC/ULCC over the regional.
Traditionally going to the better regionals meant longer time to move on generally due to the better regionals being better staffed so flying isn't as prevalent, upgrades longer, opportunities for resume improvement not as prevalent( union positions, CKP's), etc.
Going to the crappier regionals were a get in and get out type deal. Get the hours, put up with the crap, and move on.
Obviously the past few years, that general saying didn't apply. And I don't know where it will settle now.
And the crappy regional move only works when there is hiring and movement to the legacies and majors. Music stops, well you're now stuck there longer with crappy work rules. But at least if the legacy you're tied to comes cost cutting, your crappy cheap regional has a decent chance of surviving a whipsaw vs the more expensive one.
Regional bases come and go. But either way, one that does offer a base where you can drive can make a huge difference. It can make putting up with the crap regional a lot better. But I wouldn't go to a crap regional if it means commuting vs going to a better regional and live in base. Even if it meant staying there a bit longer.