korg128

Quick rundown.
Dui from 16 years ago
No training failures etc
Sic 4 years regional
Have interview with a lcc
Could upgrade in a year or so at regional

What would you do. hold on for pic and a better airline and turn down the lcc or take what one can get.

STXDrew

Which LCC? I enjoyed my ride at spirit. Now that LCC are starting to get contracts they are becoming more attractive long term. I would target a non commute situation. All things being equal i personally would do the LCC. Just my .02¢

Excargodog

Do you have a four year degree? If not, does your regional have flow?

If no flow and no 4 year degree and no prospect of getting one quickly, take the LCC job.

If you have a four year degree or flow, upgrade and get your TPIC and try for a legacy.

A 16 year old DUI won't necessarily hurt you, that's a distant point but not a trend. Another one though and you'll define a line and that will hurt you badly, perhaps for a decade.

korg128

Have a 4 year degree
Lcc would mean commute unless I move
No flow regional....

rickair7777

I'd say get some PIC unless you'd be happy moving to the LCC base. Once you get 2k PIC you should have a better idea where the hiring trends are going, and they will probably be in your favor.

Assumes no other background glitches, and the DUI happened when you were young (< 25). Young guy with DIU = typical youthful shenanigans. Older guy with DUI = drunken bum.

Otterbox

No later than year two at LCCs pay more than year 12 CA at most regionals.

You could upgrade in a year or so in RJ land or you could not... Economy is getting a bit rocky. If you’re at a Contract regional what’s the future of your flying? The economy has been strong and several low end regionals have closed up shop. Unless you’re Owned by a major, your flying could be more at risk.

LCCs tend to be run leaner and highly profitable and likely able to weather a financial downturn. If not, at least chances are you’d be acquired by another major airline.

I’d go with LCC in your shoes.

viper548

There's no guarantee your top choice will ever call. I'd go to the LCC.

symbian simian

Interview first, see if you get the job!!
I was certain I would get a call at UA, AA and SWA because of great internal recommendations (in hindsight I was naive...). I did get an interview at NKS, and accepted the job. Six years later I am sitting 50% of captains at my base, and none of the others even called me. Getting your TPIC would be nice, but what are you going to do if nobody calls after you get 1K TPIC? I would rather finish my career at NKS than a non flow regional any day, and I have seen more than a few of the FOs at NKS getting hired by the big 4 without TPIC!
If you get the job, I would consider moving, family permitting. For me the difference is $30K per year based on the same amount of days spend at home with the family because I choose to commute (for me money well spend, because I love where In live & hate all our base cities but YMMV).

Broncofan

Take the LCC job. The DUI unfortunately puts you at the bottom of the pile for Legacies I would think unless you have some serious connections. By time they are taking guys with DUI’s I would think you would probably be able to get some PIC time at your LCC. Any one else get hired at a legacy with a DUI recently that can chime in and dispute this?

PotatoChip

Not me, but good friend got hired at SWA recently with one.