ebl14

I'm currently at G4, and I'd make the jump here given your choices. You will be a very long time FO at Spirit, you could upgrade much quicker at Allegiant. Most of our growth is still ahead of us. Spirit's is basically over for the time being, and even if it picks up again they need to add thousands of pilots for you to upgrade due to growth, that number is about 700 at Allegiant. We have some problems, but make money better than anyone out there and things are getting better. I think the key to success at any of the LCC/startups is getting in early. Considering the threat of further consolidation in this sector of the industry getting to the left seat quickly is of upmost importance. That 10 year upgrade at Spirit could turn to 20 if they expand by merging with Frontier in 5 years after they (frontier) double or triple in size.

Chimpy

I cant believe im at an airline where a better alternative is Allegiant Airlines. The place that had its own TV special because the M/X is so shady, lol. FML.

Upgrade will be quicker at Allegiant but growth is not over at Spirit, not sure where that came from

Chimpy

Yeah, Allegiants recently signed contract does not impress me in the least considering their profits as well as the current state of the Industry. I know for an unemployed guy like you it might seem good though.

I also think well see a contract in 2017 so im not too terribly concerned about my payrate

Chimpy

I actually just added you to my ignore list so I have no idea what you're babbling about

Machaca

As you don't work here, you really don't have a clue. There is no doubt that MX has been an issue in the past, but given all the racket raised, there have been some serious improvements. For instance, after every single flight, I am met by at least one mx guy looking for input. Everything that is wrong with the operation stems from the company and their often idiotic policies that seem more protectionist in terms of image rather than efficiency. Perhaps that will change for the better with continued movement of personnel in management (doubt it, they still walk over dollars to save a nickel), some of these improvements have already been seen. As to our growth, Spirit's growth (when/if) will be completely different than ours...you guys seem to be following the SWA model for growth, whereas we keep delving into untapped markets buttressed by direct flights with no redeye BS. Once our fleet transition is complete, the MD80 limitation wrt to RNAV will be moot and open up even more options. Our business model, in terms of where and when we fly, is practically bullet-proof...what remains to be seen is how the airframes hold up, and the AB is less than impressive from my admittedly biased opinion. I find it hilarious that anyone could think one could shine up two turds in terms of management between G4 and Spirit and somehow come to the conclusion that Spirit is somehow better. We are decidedly different because of business model, but very similar corporate mentality...and we really don't have to fight with either Spirit or Frontier. So the OP is faced with an easy decision...day-ish trips and home or the slog of connection flying and living out of a suitcase.

dutch rudder

Top captain pay at G4 pre contract was $160. We received a 35% pay increase to bring us $216 on DOS +1. By last year of contract, pay was increased 45% to bring us to $232. That’s a pretty big increase! Our management was brilliant… wait it out just before Delta and SW got their new rates in ink. Our timing and leverage wasn’t as good as Spirit today.

Spirit’s starting point is higher ($185), not to mention the “industry standard” has increased a lot since G4 voted yes, which will only help your cause. A 35% increase on top captain pay at Spirit would be $249 year 15. Even falling short of United, I know that would pass faster than sh!T off a shovel!

Timeismoney

As time goes on at spirit the deals from scheduling have dried up. The work rules hopefully stay around but don't count on it with a new contract. Good guys to work with but most everyone is tired of management and their games and it shows. Go for the good pay now and the out and back trips.

dutch rudder

And back to the OP's question. Ignore the static on these forums. You probably won't go wrong with either choice... both are superior to any regional. There are pros and cons to both. Weigh them with your lady (boss) and choose the one that fits your lifestyle and needs.

StroopWafel

Thank you everyone for your insight and opinions. I'm shocked at how quickly this thread grew and stayed somewhat on topic. I'll definitely have to talk it over with the wife, and weigh the pros and cons of both and figure out what works best for us!

KC135

Good luck, let us know what you decide. I would recommend taking a look at the schedules at both companies in FLL and compare. It's one of the smaller bases at G4 with 16 crews. The senior guys are getting 17-18 days off. Middle of the pack and all the way down to junior line holders are getting 15-16 days off, all with average of 85 hours. Composite line holders are getting 14 days off which is a mix of flying and reserve and the bottom 3 have pure reserve with 12 days off. All of the pure line holders have good blocks of days off and almost no small 1 or 2 day off groups. FLL is actually one of the better bases in terms of schedules.