Originally Posted by antbar01

It's smart to try and consider the "what if I get stuck at this regional forever" scenario. That's actually a primary reason I wound up at XJT. I went to a place where people stayed on purpose. We **** and moan about the 8s and Es outstaying their welcome, but they haven't left for a real reason; namely, QOL.

All of that said, the changing climate (and ownership) of XJT should further serve to illustrate the point---that there is no guarantee that the next place will still be what you bargained for when everything washes out. Bases close, advancements stop. It could happen at XJT tomorrow and at Republic the day your class starts.

Ultimately, QOL rules for you (and me), but your QOL will change at XJT, and in fact is doing so RIGHT NOW. You just don't feel it yet. You haven't elaborated on your situation, but maybe you have some sort of catastrophic family issue that is making you desperate. If its that, you have to decide based on that situation. If its just "I am bummed that I have to commute to reserve," then you might just want to hold your horses a bit. See what happens.

It does get better.

Originally Posted by 3stripes

Thanks again guys. I'm currently a relief line holder at XJT and enjoy the QOL. This goes a bit deeper into my current family situation and a couple of other personal factors that I'd rather not disclose publicly.

My wife and I have played around with a few different scenarios regarding career earnings etc. On a base level using only guarantee and per diem of 300hrs a month potential career earnings over a period of 40 years (my remaining career time) came out as follows:

XJT: $3,412,800 (topping out at $93,780 per year)
Republic: $3,945,600 (topping out at $113,040 per year)

We get free insurance etc through my wife's job. Obviously vacation dropping etc are all huge bonuses at XJT. However, other factors also come into play. The EMB 170/5/190 type is very useful for me when it comes to looking to move on. Time on that type will pretty much guarantee me an interview with BA back home in the UK, it is also looked on favourably by the likes of JetBlue and US Airways who already operate the same type. It also exceeds the minimum weight requirement when it comes to applying to the likes of Emirates.

One of my biggest concerns at XJT is the reliance on 50 seat flying. This is going to shrink and at the moment I see it being more and more likely that our current flying will eventually be outsourced to the likes of GoJet, Republic et al who all operate larger types. We have 244 aircraft that will need to be replaced.

I also worry about the JBA with us and ASA and how that is going to wind up. I don't see our scheduling agreements staying as they are now, PBS already looks like it is going to happen. I can see the whole negotiation process becoming a complete cluster and ending up like the US Airways East/West divide.

When all is said and done I want to ensure that I have a job in 10 or 20 years time. If the stars do not align, or things change for the worse regarding scope, then I need to plan for that future being at a regional. Republic are currently better placed in my mind.

Originally Posted by OCCP

Antbar,
You and I both know $140k is extremely rare for a rank and file lone captain, even with 12 years seniority. That dude must have worked through all his vacations, and picked up 200% on every singe day off.


3stripes,
We flew together a few months ago. You're a sharp guy and should have no problem moving on to mainlines. Your past experience will help too. You're almost off first pay. Hang in there and apply to va or spirit. Starting over at the bottom of another regional would suck.