Re: Trans States,

Don't waste your time at a place with good first year pay, little to no reserve at certain domiciles, and a sub 2-year upgrade even without prior 121 time??? Sounds like with his age being a factor, TSA should be at the top of the list, depending on where he lives. What am I missing? Agree 100% with the first 3. And yes I'm a Trans Stater.

I've done my 18 years in a cube and I'm working on making the change too. I'm in a little better shape as I have nearly 2K hours and a fresh ATP, but I've had a difficult time ascertaining which carriers would be the best fit. A lot of factors to consider. I'll be interested to hear what you find out.

No disrespect to your company choice intended, but I don't trust uncle Hulas. I threw it in there because of the whole alter-ego move. He needs to avoid a place that has pulled that move in the past. By the way, I am XJT (ASA) and note I did not recommend he consider or avoid them.

No disrespect taken, was just curious what you were basing that statement on. Don't forget Compass in that case. And If we're going back 10 years into a company's history then don't forget to advise him to steer clear of all the Delta and American WOs and American-only operators. Bad moves have been pulled in the past there too. So what's left? Skywest and Horizon?

Yeah, I left out the American WO carriers because the flow may actually happen now. I mentioned Endeavor solely for the money, being that he is in his 40's.

If I was entering the industry at 40+ I'd be looking for a place with a quick upgrade. Unless he's ok with sticking it out at a regional. In that case Endeavor/Skywest would be a solid move. Again depending where he lives.

I think the biggest factor in your decision should be the amount of time with your family you are about to give up. This should not be underestimated or glazed over in your decision. Being a new hire at a regional is not a good job for a someone with a wife and kids. Down the road, schedules, pay, and overall quality of life improve dramatically but you need to be aware that in the beginning it will be very hard. Its not just the amount of time away from home but the type of time also. You'll be gone weekends, holidays, (when the majority of everyone else is at home) and a lot of your 'time home' will be during the day in the middle of the week when no one else is home. Even for those who work desk jobs who are gone for 10-12 hours a day, I think there is something to be said for at least seeing your family every night/day if only briefly. You will be away more than you are home (at first, and for most of your tenure at a regional). 4 days gone, (more if you have to commute) 3/2 days home is typical. Not the other way around. If you decide to fly professionally you and your family need to understand this and you all need to be ready for it.

If you live in domicile it is also much easier. You are right flow is valuable, but not as valuable as living in base. If you live in a domicile where there is a regional with a flow then I would go there, but don't commute for a flow, chiefly for two reasons: 1. If you're a normal professional person you will be likely able to get hired somewhere before its time for you to flow anyway and 2.We are headed into unprecedented times. Flow is a guarantee of nothing. If companies can't hire enough below you (and mathematically this is the direction we are headed in) then all bets are off. Do not sacrifice living in base or quality of life for flow, make these your priority and everything else will fall into place. I have commuted and I have lived in base. I cannot overemphasize how much better life is when you do not have to commute, especially if you have a family to go home to.

All regionals are in danger in the coming years. Don't get comfortable, things will change, just expect this and be ready for it. Sorry for the long post, but this is one of my biggest issues with the job and I would hate for someone with similar values to not know what they are getting themselves into. Now having said all that, I enjoy my work, and we are definitely in need of some good professionals so as long as you and your family are aware of the challenges and ok with them, I say come on over we would love to have you. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

I'm unclear. Are you saying that Endeavor/SkyWest would be solid choices for quick upgrade?

If not, then which companies would be best for upgrade?

Nope. I was saying if he plans to stay at a regional until 65 then a quick upgrade isn't as much of a factor. So in that case Skywest seems like a good place for overall QOL once you're off reserve, and Endeavor seems to be improving and pays well for the next few years. But depending on where he lives, both of those might not be the best option. But if he plans on moving on to a Legacy or LCC then i'd think he'd want to take a chance in a place with a quick upgrade. I chose TSA because it seemed like a good middle ground. The pay is competitive, work rules are good, commuting policy is good (would be better if they did hotels). Reserve is extremely quick at most bases (read: QOL) and the upgrade is less than a year if you have prior 121 time. Still under 2 for a new 121 guy like me. Granted, quick upgrade isn't everything and can go away at any time but based on the information that was available to me it was a good choice for my situation (not married, no kids). Obviously for someone who has a family and lives somewhere like SEA or SFO I wouldn't recommend TSA, but for me it was a good option.