Are the majors that much better these days than a good regional
12-03-2007 | 07:25 PM
#11
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From: 757/767
I have flown for two top tier regionals and one major and i can say with full confidence that my worst day at Delta was leaps and bounds better than my best day at either regional. Even post 9/11 there is just no comparison.
12-03-2007 | 07:52 PM
#12
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From: 737 CA
I’m still in the process of figuring out where I ultimately want to end up in my career. My ultimate goal is to move out west. DEN would be first on my list, but SLC would work fine for me as well. Basically, I could accomplish this in one of two ways. Get on with United or Frontier in the next 4 or so years or attempt to get a job with SkyWest in the next few months. I posted a similar question about this a month or so and I think my decision ultimately comes down to this.
Do the majors really offer that much more than a good regional like SkyWest in this day and age. I realize that carriers like United and Frontier pay much more, but strictly from a quality of life perspective what would be the differences between the two. I’m looking for specific differences such as number of days off work rules, etc. If the majors are only marginally better these days, would this difference be enough to justify loosing you’re seniority.
Last time I posted about this, the general consensus was that I should stick with Mesaba, get my upgrade and move on. I agree and if I do plan to move on to a larger airline, then I will stick it out and get my PIC (Thanks to those who helped me make this decision). On the other hand, if I decide I want to make a career at SkyWest, then giving up my few months of seniority wouldn’t be that bad.
Do the majors really offer that much more than a good regional like SkyWest in this day and age. I realize that carriers like United and Frontier pay much more, but strictly from a quality of life perspective what would be the differences between the two. I’m looking for specific differences such as number of days off work rules, etc. If the majors are only marginally better these days, would this difference be enough to justify loosing you’re seniority.
Last time I posted about this, the general consensus was that I should stick with Mesaba, get my upgrade and move on. I agree and if I do plan to move on to a larger airline, then I will stick it out and get my PIC (Thanks to those who helped me make this decision). On the other hand, if I decide I want to make a career at SkyWest, then giving up my few months of seniority wouldn’t be that bad.
Do you want a 30 hour layover playing golf in Kauai or an 11 hour layover in Des Moines?
12-04-2007 | 05:58 AM
#14
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From: A-320
yeah, just look at Comair and Expressjet, two of the "best regionals" out there and look at whats happening to them/us..............
12-04-2007 | 07:42 AM
#15
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From: 737 Right Seat
"HOUSTON WE HAVE A PROBLEM?
12-04-2007 | 10:10 AM
#17
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From: EMB 170/175 F.O.
12-04-2007 | 02:52 PM
#18
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From: DD->DH->RU/XE soon to be EV
I would hardly say things are "bad" at ExpressJet. The thing is, the future isn't secure per say as it was a few years ago when we provided exclusive feed for CAL at a guaranteed profit. Granted, 75% of our fleet is STILL in the CAL system generating that guaranteed profit.
A couple things, the stock price is low. Although it has little to do with the actual health of a company, it is generally regarded as a bad sign. We are operating in an extremely competitive LCC market that management has to be able to adapt quickly to regarding market demands. IE, recognize routes that are not making money and constantly looking for new ones and reallocating assets promptly. We have an expensive pilot contract, which can make it difficult to secure additional feed from other legacies when there are carriers out there that can do it cheaper, regardless of quality. The DAL thing came because of "most favored nation" with CAL as well as operating some aircraft on a pro rate type of deal. There are no plans (as of yet) to acquire larger aircraft with lower CASM's. It's no secret, the 50 seat market is saturated. Granted, the 50 seater is part of the business plane to stay under the radar of SW, etc. But again, as far as acquiring new partners to fly for, it can make it difficult to get additional flying with ONLY 50 seat equipment, reference the F9 deal we could have secured last year that went to RAH. Granted, there were some other things at play. But if we had 70 seat aircraft, we more than likely would have that flying.
As far as the original posters question goes, there is a saying that most would agree, and some don't. Everything is relative.
The worst major is still better than the best regional.
12-04-2007 | 03:03 PM
#19
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From: 737 CA
I spent 9 years at Continental Express and 2.5 years at Continental.
IT IS BETTER! I make more already as an FO than I did as a 9 year CA(actually, I'm doubling my pay this month in Captain training!). The planes are better, the destinations are better. I flew to Milan, Rome, and Barcelona last month (and had two weeks off straight). I have type ratings in the 737, 757, & 767. I would rather be number last at a major than number one at a regional. Go for the major.
IT IS BETTER! I make more already as an FO than I did as a 9 year CA(actually, I'm doubling my pay this month in Captain training!). The planes are better, the destinations are better. I flew to Milan, Rome, and Barcelona last month (and had two weeks off straight). I have type ratings in the 737, 757, & 767. I would rather be number last at a major than number one at a regional. Go for the major.
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