Who went from a regional to a major?
 

I am a captain at a regional airline in the US. Someday I hope to go to a major - Delta, NWA, United, CAL, AA, etc.

For those who have made the jump from captain at your respective regional carrier to the so-called 'mothership' legacy carrier, was it worth it? The first-year pay stinks but after that it evens out.

How about things like QOL? Schedules? Crews? Enjoyment of the job?

My goal when I got into this business was to fly the 'heavy metal' across the pond. I still hope to do that, but it seems like much less of a given at this point with the airlines sort of in perpetual crisis mode and losing money.

For those who are still relatively junior F/Os at your major/legacy and used to be pretty senior captains at your regionals, what's the verdict? Happy with the jump?

Yes, even being furloughed 4 1/2 years, it was worth it. Of course, YMMV.

I left my CA seat at ExpressJet and havent looked back. Taking a pay cut always sucks but it was worth it to me, especially in the long run.

I made the jump and am very happy that I did.

QOL is obviously a little worse for me being junior, but it wouldn't be that bad if I would live in base.

The crews are much more mature and experienced. Going from captain at the regionals to an FO at the majors, you can relax a bit more because the folks you're flying with have been flying for decades and know the ropes better than you (now you're the one they're keeping their eye on).

I really do enjoy the job. Going from a non-commuter to a commuter is really the only thing that I can complain about (and thats my choice and I knew it going in).

I would certainly make the move again.

I was in the top 15% of the seniority list. First year was a pay cut, second year a big raise. While it was good to be king(Capt) at times, I have no regrets. It's always better to work for the parent company as opposed to a regional that can be replaced at anytime. Life is good!

for someone who "NEVER LOOKS" back, you sure do spend a lot of time on the XJT Pilots forum :)

That's funny but in defense of Superpilot, it's probably hard for a once regional pilot to completely stay out of the latest developments in the regionals. What happens at the regionals affects the Majors as well.

SNAP!!! hahahaa :D

Went from 9e to DAL. I couldn't be happier!

Not much of a paycut first year either... made right around 40,000. It's not great but certainily not back to even FO pay at a regional. I'll do around 75,000-80,000 this year (2) and in the 90's or even 100 next year.

That and not being fatigued to the point of total exhaustion after trips is worth years on my life!

I was top five percent at my regional. Night and day difference. My payrate after 25 months will be roughly $95/hr. There is also 11% automatically paid into retirement beyond this. Quality of life is better and as the guy above said, I dont find myself as tired all the time. Good to have some decent work rules and fly with experienced guys.