Fastest path to legacy: LCC or Regional CA?
 

I'm sure we will get many facets of opinion, but I would like to get some input. I have an offer from a LCC and able to upgrade at my regional now. What would you choose and why? Thanks!

Unless your regional is in dire straits and you think you could downgrade soon and unless you have a ton of T-PIC already, I'd stay the course and upgrade. Get your command experience and wait for the call. If after you get your 1000 T-PIC then I'd consider the move to an LCC.

Captain. Get some experience under your belt.

TPIC counts for way more than 320/737 SIC time.

Thread closed after three bullseye posts.

Get at least 1000 PIC then consider the LCC.

If you have a job offer from a LCC and aren't at a Wholly Owned regional you're probably safer by going to the LCC.

Take the LCC! You'll probably be on reserve as a junior CA at the regional so it'll take quite a while to get the 1000 tpic. An LCC is at least a career destination should the economy go south. Don't get comfortable at a regional while waiting for the bigger better deal. GTFO at the first opportunity. Just my humble opinion.

When I first upgraded a couple of years ago, I was on the fence with the exact same question. So I asked the head of Delta hiring a variation of the exact same question. I asked him if it would be better to go to some JetBlue or Spirit and get the A320 Type since they're prevalent at Delta and the fact it would show aptitude for training. He didn't hesitate in his response. It was his opinion that making command decisions was far greater experience than playing second fiddle in the right seat. So in the opinion of hiring department leads for legacies, there's your answer.

OTOH, with Delta and United hiring many of my friends six months into JetBlue as well as 23 year old wunderkins, experience doesn't always have the standing that's advertised. That being said, I don't regret staying for the 1000. Now that I have it, I've put apps in at SWA and UPS. I feel like I can diversify my options and I know I'll have that milestone the rest of my career. It's a tough call and there's no way to know if you made the right decision. Just gotta be comfortable setting up shop wherever you gotta be for a couple years. It's hard to beat my current setup, so that was a factor in decision making. Good luck in your decision. It's good to have options.

The original question is the fastest path to a legacy. If your regional has a flow through then you should stay and upgrade.

There is really no forward looking in this industry beyond a year. It's a crap shoot.