One thing. We had hard RJ pilot/fa crews. It was a small base. We were all poor to different levels and were a team.

I miss that, but after flying mainline I see that it probably isn’t possible at mainline. Too many people.

That’s it.

That’s a fair point, there’s no LCC/major nearby? I’m not saying legacy or bust, but even an LCC is a step up from most regionals IMO.

Depends how long you have left of course. I wouldn’t tell someone age 30 to stick it out, but mid 50s and later and willing to accept the regional might can in the next few years, then sure, give it a ride.

Oh, hotel transportation. Most days I never once have to call/wait for a van. No airport hotel “van is on its way” goatrope.

That’s my story. I like it. Probably not moving anywhere soon. Just my experience. Being able to drive to several airports helps for me, plus the company lets us reserve mainline jumpseats. Your mileage may vary.

As long as you can go be a little fish in a big pond again, its easy.

Oh god, how this annoys the $hit out of me.

Things I’m glad that don’t exist. A timer showing how much of my life has been spent “waiting on a shuttle.”

Small regional bases have rock star parking and SIDA access through a side door. That was nice. But not worth $200K.

What regional is this and on what mainline carrier?

Former regional.

DL can reserve the mainline js a few days in advance.

Fair, I’ve only been based at hubs, so I can’t claim to know that life. We did have SIDA access very briefly at my first shop, and it did save me 15 minutes each way. Then another regional opened a base there and racked up enough violations in a few weeks everybody got it yanked.

I would second getting out. First, the Airlines have a vested interest in retaining pilots at the regional level and not draining the feed they rely on so much. Welp until hard times hit then they'll throw you away like trash. Just ask ex TSA, Compass and expressjet (and many others before that are no longer in business). When a Trans States folded there were 30-35+ year guys that were some of the most loyal employees and they were just cast aside with everyone else, their loyalty and giving years is their lives meant NOTHING.

Second, there's lots of Stockholm syndrome going on at the RJ carriers. The grass IS greener elsewhere. When I got on at 5Y it was night and day better even with 17 day trips and whatnot. No more toxic micromanaging management that my regional carrier had, hotels/transportation/ benefits all better, we had company credit cards and company cellphones and resources. And they aren't known to be a stellar company to work for. I should have left the regional rat race years before I did. I probably would have gotten to mainline quicker.

As far as mainline goes QOL once off reserve is better than any schedule I had at the regionals or cargo. I commuted 1800 miles for 18 months (for good schedule and good flying) and I was still home on my bed more nights per month than when I was living a 20 mile drive from base at my regional. Over the past 6-7 months I've only worked 10-13 days per month. Commuting sucks, but I still have better QOL than living in base at a regional. Chase seniority and learn how to bid to maximize QOL. Or chase upgrade and hustle to make money. It's great to have options.

If your paycheck has a different name on it than the tail of the plane and the passenger tickets, then you are expendable when ish hits the fan. There's no such thing as loyalty in their eyes.