Which Company to Go To?
 

First time poster, long time lurker....

I know this type of topic has been driven into the ground on here, but I haven't been able to find many that have been asked within the last six months or so, and I haven't seen any that is comparing all of my choices.

I've done quite a bit of research on the different regionals and have came up with my top five based on what I've found out. But I'm wondering what everyone else's opinions are for which one to work for as a first airline job. I would like a good QOL and would like to be home fairly often, but I'm not too concerned with that since I'm single without a family. I won't mind commuting or relocating to a domicile (STL is the closest for some of the airlines, ORD is the next closest for most of the others). Decent pay and benefits would be nice, somewhere with a good work atmosphere and the employees are taken care of, and a respectable upgrade time to captain and on into the majors. Those are the big things I'm looking at. So, the list of my top five are: 1) Air Wisconsin, 2) Republic, 3) SkyWest, 4) Envoy, and 5) Endeavor. Which of those would be the best choice for me? And if there are any others that you would like to tell me about, please feel free.

Thanks everyone.

Where ever you live, go there. It's just a regional.

Even if he lives in a base managed by an abhorrent regional? It's more than just a regional, it's a place to spend up to six years before a major calls (if they ever do...no shortage of guys desperate to get a call right now).

To the OP go to Endeavor, man. Highest paying regional out there plus some good perks that were added in the latest TA of theirs that was ratified yesterday. I'm recommending them as a SkyWest guy.

Smart move. If every new person coming in went to the highest paying regional (right now Endeavor) then it would force all other regionals to match pay and the entire industry would benefit.

Endeavor just passed a industry leading contract. If you can commute 1 leg at Endeavor go for it! I doubt you will see any of the other regionals matching their pay for at least a year, and then it will probably only be the wholly owned.

Also remember a recruiter is not your friend. They will tell you what you want to hear, because their job is to fill seats.

Correct me if I’m wrong but Endeavor will deadhead you to work. That’s paid commuting! SkyWest for example will make you commute on your own dime and time and if you mess up, you’ll be held accountable. Endeavor is the place to be right now.

Living in base is a huge quality of life issue. No crash pad, no stress of commuting, easily pick up OT and drive home same day. Commuting to LGA or JFK would suck, if you live west of ORD.

Endeavor is certainly has the best contract right now!

Interview at all of them. Get a vibe for the company and go where you think you'd fit best.

Air Wisconsin has some amazing bonuses and the trip/duty rigs, work rules, and insurance are amazing. Granted, the hourly pay rate isn't leading by any means, but the insurance makes up for it in my opinion. You can basically get hit by a car, spend a week in the hospital, and only be out a $50 copay.

Some of the other airlines have better schedule rules and other QoL enhancers. Learn about them all and pick the one with the most qualities you find important.

Pay rates aren’t everything. Vacation, reserve, hotels, and soft pay will have a major impact on your happiness.

Nothing worse then overnighting in Indianapolis and spending quality time at motel 8 or La Quinta.

Go to EDV.