Choosing the right regional...
 

At the risk of sounding like an opinion poll (which this isn't), what are the most important factors to consider? Pay, QOL, bases, upgrades, time on reserve, flow-through... everyone is going to prioritize those things differently.

But it seems like growth (and hence new aircraft orders) seem to be among the most important, since they ultimately influence the other factors I listed above. I'm just wondering if there are any absolutes I need to know when choosing a regional I may be at for 5-10 years.

I have ruled out Mesa, Great Lakes, and Horizon already. Any others I should stay clear of?

OK, so I guess it is a bit of an opinion question, but certainly not a ridiculous poll.

A regional where you can live in base
Pay
Movement to a major
Contract
Growth


Thats my order anyway. I joined Endeavor in the middle of 2015 and I've had nothing but good experiences, FWIW

Based at home or a base you are willing to move for should without question be number 1. There is no larger influence on QOL, and as a side benefit the ability for more pay, as you can be highly flexible. Then if you are based at home, reserve time doesn't really matter either because living in base on reserve can be highly desirable. As you can get paid to sit home or play golf and not work on many reserve days, then if you want you can fly OT on your off days. It's Win Win. Least amount of flight hours for the most amount of money. Airline piloting 101.

The right one is being able to use the search function.

Brilliant answer, Riverside.

Where do you live?

Do you have a rank of those factors that are important to you?

Seattle, and being based in the northwest was among my top concerns. Now at Horizon, that would be easy. But Horizon is starting to sound like a horrible choice. Skywest and Compass could work, after a few months commuting to LAX or wherever. What I don't want to do is pick a carrier that could very well pull out of SEA anytime soon.

In the airline industry, things can always change, let alone the regional industry!

So, today, perhaps Skywest and Compass would be your best bets, yes.

Just out of curiosity, what turned you off on Horizon? Being a wholly-owned by Alaska, I'd say they would be a very stable option for the Northwest. They are also getting jets, right? If so = long-term stability.