Originally Posted by LifetimeCFI

there are probably 20+ reasons that ditching YX for F9 is the move, and probably only one or two reasons why someone would stay at a regional over F9.. Perhaps if you HAVE to live in Indianapolis, then YX might be your forever home. Otherwise, you want to get out of there as soon as you can and take advantage of the pay, QoL, and stability benefits that majors such as a ULCC have to offer.

If your end goal is a legacy, you won't get there any faster than you will at a NK, F9, or similar. Pretty much any regional with any tie to any legacy is getting metered.

Originally Posted by dracir1

AGREED!!!

Everyone has their opinions of course but to me there's only THREE reasons to stay at any regional ever (and all three apply concurrently). That is because you happen to like it there, are senior enough to where the money doesn't make a difference and you're not commuting. I assume this would apply to less than 2% of the pilot population that are independently wealthy outside of work, are only flying for the love of it (and the flight benefits) and live in a city where ONLY that regional has a base.

ALL OTHER REASONS point to leaving (even to commute). THIS INDUSTRY CAN AND HAS CHANGED OVERNIGHT and the best way to end up staying at a regional is not ever trying to leave it and something happens (9/11, COVID, etc). No one ever seems to expect the black swan event but one always happens (about every 9-10 years) and many regret not taking opportunities prior to its occurrence. This is probably the ONLY industry where seniority means so much so every day that goes by not on a major's list is another day someone else is ahead of you.


F9 absolutely sucks in terms of employee appreciation - there probably isn't a worse one in existence in N America. But it is head and shoulders above EVERY regional in terms of overall compensation (pay, vacation, 401k, etc.).

I KNOW I'm not the only one who knows this. Quite frankly, this thread is fairly stupid...

Originally Posted by BuckleUp

Currently at YX and am in the hiring pool for F9 and have been for awhile now (many months). I know the general advice is to get out of the regionals asap, but considering opinions on if it truly is the right move given what I want out of the industry.

Here's my situation:

My wife and I would like to get out of New York, and northeast flying in general. Frontier seems like a decent fit for that (and excludes Jetblue unfortunately). Luckily she's WFH and a good sport with hopping anywhere to avoid me commuting...well almost anywhere...San Juan would certainly be a bummer. Having not really done day trips at YX, not sure if it's a lifestyle I'd like, but on paper seems ok, home every night with a warm meal. The downsides have certainly been noted in other threads, but big picture seems like it might be fine.

All this to say is that I'm more in the QOL camp than the money camp (but certainly will stand strong on getting what you deserve in a new contract). Would obviously like both, and chose Frontier as more of a backup to legacies not calling to at least get the QOL and bump to the resume. I'm a bit unsure though if my QOL would actually improve leaving YX. Decently high on the roster in base, and get...okay trips...early starts late finishes with long sits in between, but generally the days off I want (avg 14-15 a month).

I guess what I'm asking is, will I be kicking myself for leaving what is otherwise a fine situation and probably desirable by quite a few to move to the unknown, seems almost lateral at times. What QOL perks could I see coming to F9 or would it generally be a wash? People seem to tout it on here, seeing things like "smiles dont pay the bills" and such, but haven't really seen any real shining qualities comparatively. YX allows dropping trips at will, however that's basically been impossible for quite some time as the reserve grid is always red and nobody wants to pick up garbage trades, so every month is at least 80+ hours with no real flexibility. Otherwise the work rules from what I gather are above average, with a good plane to fly, and a generally decent operation.

Due to the long class wait and reality that a new contract may be years away, the thoughts are coming back into my head that maybe I just ride it out here at regional in hopes that maybe one day I get the call from somewhere else.

Any advice? Anything I'm missing?

Hoping maybe this post can clear up some things to consider with other people in a similar situation.

Originally Posted by Powderkeg

My advice: make the decision expecting the worst and see if you're ok with it. What if they yank the $50k bonus before you show up? You'll probably be based in SJU against your will. Your earliest upgrade opportunity will also be in SJU. You likely won't have a new contract for 2-4 years. You'll be driving the airport half the days of the month. You will spend 8-9 hours (not including your drive to the airport) each work day but only get paid for 5-6 hours. You could be asked to go on strike. The next contact will not be "Delta +1". You'll hear about our great work rules but be disappointed when the grid is red on the day you need off. You've been told how great it is to swap into better trips but will realize the trips are more or less the same. You won't be talking about the all-inclusive in PUJ or CUN.

Now, that being said...barrng some nasty skeletons in your closet the quickest path to the legacies (for many) is getting hired at F9 (or NK).