billyho

Right now just go to an airline that has a decent upgrade time. Majors will be hiring a ton over the next 6-8 years and you want to be part of that huge window. Also One that has a good enough contract that pays you for your time while at work and has good benefits for you and the family(basically avoid RAH) Go to one that allows you to have a very short commute to work thus allowing you more time at home and spending less money while being away from home.
Back in the day I wanted Piedmont because of the location of one of there bases. They were my #1 choice followed by 2 other airlines. One I had already interviewed with and one I was having the interview with the other next day.
On the way to my next interview I was offered a class at PDT. At that point I called both airlines and thanked them for the opportunity and explained to them both Piedmont got me closer to home. Both were very understanding.

Good Luck

CaptYoda

If the regionals would just bump their first year pay I think they would get a lot more takers.

zondaracer

PDT and SKW have bumped up first year pay. We will see how that goes.

CaptYoda

Showing $25 & $29 on APC profile. Is that the bump up rate? I think the regionals can compete with some of the non-sched airlines if they start at $40. Day flying mostly with travel and J/S benefits with a predictable schedule would appeal to some folks.

zondaracer

Skywest is now $30 an hour first year.

AFflyer

SkyWest is at $30/hr with the option to go to $36.50/hr without SAPA consent. But your probably looking at a 3 year upgrade.

This "Flow Through" is a joke to any new hire. You would have to be with your regional for a loooooong time before they get to you. Just pick a place that has a short commute and isn't going out of business. SkyWest and Expressjet are good options.

Good luck out there guys!!

GravyRobber

Quick upgrade is nice, but to beat a dead horse, don't make that the only qualifier for your employer. Things can change fast in this industry. It would be wise to go somewhere you'd be happy for a while in case you get stuck. For that reason, I'd broaden your search to include Compass, ExpressJet, and SkyWest.

AirlineOasis

When selecting a Regional, I would not focus on dollars and cents if your goal is to move on to a National, Legacy, or International Airline. I would focus on 1.) Getting to the left seat as quickly as possible, 2.) Find the airline that will be hiring the most, whether due to growth, or flow ups, 3.) Has your domicile of choice.

One regional may pay $3-4 more than another, but that is in no way worth taking at a stagnant airline, over one that has a legitimate flow with people being sucked up through the top.

Get to the left seat, and hopefully move on ASAP. Sacrifice a few bucks to do so if you need to.

CaptYoda

Looks like PDT and Air Wisconsin sseem to be one of the top contenders.

FODhopper

Did BillyHo just create a new account say the same thing he has been saying all along...just with different words?