I think either ALPA or APA conducted a study which concluded that the break even point is seven years. If you can get to a legacy by age 58, you will make more money even if you don't upgrade than if you stayed at a regional as a topped out Captain.

So if money is your priority, then the math speaks for itself. If instead you value QOL or not retiring as an FO, then those would support the case for staying at a regional.

That sounds about right. I would even say more like age 60 because of the 401k... the big boys typically just dump 15-16% into your account, no match required. Regionals, you might get a 5-6% match after ten+ years. Also the bigs are starting to jack up junior FO pay, in anticipation of the need to compete for quality applicants.

But QOL is likely to be better at a major than at a regional in most cases, even for a junior major pilot. This assumes you're old enough that the kids are out of the house and weekends/holidays are not vital.

If it's a prestige thing.. nobody really knows or cares about CA vs. FO, except for pilots and we all know it's seniority, not merit based. But everybody knows the difference between a regional and mainline... cuz they all hate RJ's.

This is not true anymore. First year legacy pay beats out a lot of the regional CAs. Second year is well beyond at 125 to 135/hr. Add in 16% 401k, profit sharing and better work rules you’re much better off almost immediately.

Thanks everyone who kept me optimistic!