Originally Posted by JungleBus

To me, the flow isn't that valuable as a shortcut to mainline. I have confidence in my ability to interview and be hired the good old fashioned way, so from that standpoint being able to flow without interviewing isn't that big of a boon.

The real value of the flow is that it provides a large source of steady attrition, and therefore steady advancement for junior guys. Too often, advancement at regional airlines is based on growth, which is unsustainable in the long term and often comes at the expense of mainline. Steady attrition is a better model for all involved:

-It keeps average longevity low for management, and therefore labor costs remain low. With a flow, the attrition is also fairly predictable and can be planned for in a more cost-effective manner.

-The pilots all have steady, predictable advancement, with the associated incremental increase in paycheck and QOL. The prospect of flowing to mainline provides a "light at the end of the tunnel."

-The lifers can work to improve their contract without having to fight junior pilots who are worried about keeping growth going; low average longevity also means payrates can be above industry average without raising labor costs above industry average.

-Mainline gets pilots who have been flying their passengers around for years already with the knowledge that they are future mainline.