Keep in mind that you don't get both the sign-on bonus and the retention bonus. You get one or the other.

My calculation for 3 years for FO's on property is $109K for PSA. That's $36k average over 3 years. Better than it's been but still not much, especially considering most of us are paying of hefty student loans which greatly eats into our monthly take home. Still, at least we have reversed the downward trend and are on our way back up.

Of course, if you can credit more, you earn more.

Republic has a 100% vest from day one? Is that really accurate? Most regionals are 6+ years to 100% vest.

If what you say is true you've averaged ~105+ credit a month, subtracting for training (2 months) @ 150 hours, you're crediting 110+ hours a month since hitting the line? If so that's pretty good!

Please don't budget for 110 hours a month people. ALWAYS, plan your budget based on minimum guarantee and NO per diem. This will keep you from trying on the rose colored glasses.

For those that have never flown regional Part 121 before, you will be in for a surprise at how much you may be working for how little you will earn. (Things have gotten a bit better the past few years). Add to that, bad 4-day pairings and 2 - 3 days off in between trips with a possible commute and things can become tiring and difficult.

I think one segment of the "returning" market that regional airlines have to consider is the older applicant with previous FAR 121 time. While 30-36K/yr might work for a younger applicant with no dependents, considering just the cost of health insurance at some of these outfits, I think 50K should be the absolute minimum first year to have any inkling of QOL.

Yes, vested from day one.

So let's look at this... Most new hires don't opt for 401k because they need money to buy things like "food and water."

However, assuming that most places are 2%, 4%, 6% match based upon longevity... That means if you earned $35k yr 1 and maxed your 401k contribution, the company would contribute $700. (Roughly $2 per day). Five years later... Assume total company contribution of around $5k.

Not exactly a needle pusher in my mind. As far as being vested from day one.... $5k after five years is lollipop money even if vested at 100%.

Why not over block 1 hour for every 4-day trip for the next 5 years? You could probably earn an extra 250-300 hours of pay during that time.

But why not do both, given the opportunity?

With one airline, you have both options. With the other, you don't.

If I am following your logic, are you saying not to invest in a 401K because you "only" get $5K in 5 years? IOW, are you saying putting money into a 401K is not as good of an idea as your suggestion of over blocking every trip?

2.5% match with 100% vesting day one, yes.

There are extra credits now for holidays and trip rig. Gross wages also include bonuses, premium pay, and training pay. It can add up quickly without flying 100 hours.

So what does that equate to in hourly pay as compared to other regionals
that offer 25%-50% vesting? About $ 1-2/hr?