You're absolutely correct; the experience riding on a regional is vastly different. For example, on every Skywest flight I have ever ridden on, the FAs have been super-friendly and courteous. As opposed to every flight on UAL, in which I've felt (even once in business class, transpac) like an unwelcome intruder.

See how silly generalizations are?

Agree with you 100 % mainline flight attendants on UAL are soo damn unfriendly. To each his own i guess.

Yes, the Coast Guard is the smallest branch of the Armed Services. Besides SAR, chasing druggies and saving lost penguins, we serve under the Navy during times of war. CG pilots go through Navy Flight Training alongside Navy/Marine SNA's and are winged as Naval/CG Aviators. Many have given their lives in the service of their country..2 were friends of mine who were killed in helo mishaps.

I think the "guard" the previous poster was referring to was the "National Guard"..but I don't think any of them would consider themselves as "fun boys" while getting shot at over in the sandbox.

Don't want to join this fight, just wanted to answer your "serious" question.

FWIW, had to JS coming back from a funeral on a SW CRJ7..the crew was very gracious to let me sit up with them so my family could make it home and I was impressed with their professionalism and standardization with our cockpit procedures at DL. Thanks again for the ride, guys, if you're reading this!

It actually is the same quality and same standard governed by the FAA. We do the same thing as you, in fact it's a lot tougher.

Back in the day, at DAL, you couldn't budge the guys off the 440.

The minimum standards may be the same but in practice major airlines aren't operating at the minimum standards.

Ok what does that mean exactly? You get crew meals?

yes, that is what it means.

Perhaps mainline should reconsider hiring any regional pilots?

I do think it is interesting though, that after the majors got rid of the military style CRM structure, the accident rate basically dropped to zero.

I must agree that the majors probably go beyond the call of duty with your training but it doesn't necessarily make you a better pilot if anything it just makes your life easier during training. The regionals have good training and if anything it makes it harder on the pilot. Most regional pilots are hard workers with tremendous experience in and out of busy airports etc. High quality I say. Most I have flown with put me to shame with knowledge and experience. I would have no problem putting my family on any regional aircraft. The bible talks about taking the log out of your eye before you see the twig in others. I have apply this as well.