You really need turbine PIC and a degree to be competitive. Lots of regional left seaters with lots of time who apply as well.

Guys you are great, thank you for all your replies and comments!! They are much appreciated.
So I guess without a degree I might better stay here in Europe. Until I get one (4-5 years from now),
I would have to give up 10-11 years of seniority which really makes no sense when you work for a legacy here....

It's really just about living in the States and have a decent job with a nice airline. So let's say I forget about the lagacy carriers in the US. What's the next best option?
Can you stay e.g. with Southwest, Jetblue, Alaska, etc. and have a good time? Easier to get into (degree, expat, hours)?

SWA , JetBlue , spirit , Frontier will be a great job. No degree required..... Better than all Low cost in Europe.

Think about it and apply today

While the degree requirement may sound daunting it certainly is achievable.

The US secondary education system has been dumbed down to accommodate the lowest common denominator and consequently isn't very competitive with most other developed nations.

I would speculate that a high school graduate from western Europe/ Australia etc. is probably educated to an equivalent level of a second year college student in the US, particularly in the Math/Science fields.

An ambitious individual could probably take the CLEP examinations (get college credit by testing out), and then enroll in a correspondence course at an accredited college to finish up.

A Bachelors degree in the US takes four years to complete. In most other developed countries, the same degree takes three years. You could probably graduate within 18 months with a plain vanilla degree if you set your heart to it!

I'd add a couple of things (as an expat; working for a regional)
If you do *plan* on marrying an American, delete this entire thread. USCIS could well find it and use its to deny your application.
US Regionals (the good ones, anyway) are becoming pretty good places to work, and can offer a full career on modern aircraft with decent conditions.
You do have your work cut out for you; problem 1 being the right to work.
If you think dealing with the Aussie certification authorities is hard, you're in a for a very rude shock indeed dealing with the US Government.

Don't forget about Allegiant Airlines. You may have a shot with them.

Was there not an article somewhere last year about a US regional sposoring work visas specifically for Australians?

As compared to a Green Card, which is a total cakewalk, right?