Originally Posted by
DAL4EVER
Having been a regional pilot up until 2001 I can tell you in no particular order:
Better planes that can get to altitude and go fast when they are there, long layovers in places other than DAY, CID, FNT, LEX, etc., much better schedules (reserve typically gives around 15-18 days off a month), no high speeds/continuous duty/naps (redeyes replace that but they are typically preceeded by a 24 hour layover), better retirement, jetways everywhere you go, overhead bin space for pax, 2nd year pay that exceeds 18 year pay at the regional you left, etc. Also, there is something cool about Boeing on the type rating section of your certificate. But this is just for starters. Others may chime in perhaps.
I agree with everything you said except one little part, with the current concessionary contracts that almost everyone is working under; you'd have to go cargo for this statement to be true. The highest second year Pax pay for an FO is $95 on the 777 (DAL & AA) so unless you're leaving an airline like 9E, Colgan, Great Lakes, CommutAir, Island Air, Lynx, piedmont, etc; then it will take you to at least 3-10 (depending on which carrier you go to) years in order to top your regionals maximum. But hey, it's all profit from there.........................unless you get furloughed for 5 years....................but that's still worth the risk for me and I hope to see you at DAL in the next wave.
For others the extra money, better overnights and better work rules is aren’t worth the loss in seniority and the possibility of being away from home more. After all, some pilots live in outstation domiciles that no one else has and they fly Stand-Ups, Locals and 2 days with 18 days off per month. Also seeing that it’s an outstation the cost of living is usually much less so therefore the money is less of a factor. For myself, I’m out of here when one of my 5 choices comes-a-notchin', but I won’t leave for anyone else.
Take Care.