Where are the FOs going?

I understand the Captain will be going to the majors but I'm interested in knowing where the FOs are going. Is it lateral moves or LCC? And for those who do leave, why not wait a few more years and upgrade to get to a major rather than go to a LCC? Just curious to the reasoning

I happen to know that several of the FOs are going to the majors...

What airlines and with what time?!

Im guessing instead of “major” you mean “legacy” or the “big six.” LCCs like JetBlue, Spirit and Frontier are Majors. Those three are also really, really good jobs and is one of the many reason both Captains and FOs are headed there. Within 3-5 years you’re making over 200k putting you in the top 5% of earners in the country. Captains and FOs choose those airlines for a variety of reasons, but there’s nothing stopping them from continuing to pursue a job at the big 6 if they want it, and depending on who you talk to, that progression to a major and an airbus type rating might help you move even higher. And while there, they’re earning more money than at 9E, getting a 15-16% direct 401k contribution, and are building seniority at a career airline so if the big six doesn’t work out they’re still in great shape.

For 9E attrition data, check the union Fastreads at the beginning of the month. In November we lost 16 Captains, eight (8) of which went to Delta and 14 First Officers, one (1) of which went to Delta. Pilots also went to other airlines, including Southwest, JetBlue, Alaska, Spirit, Frontier, ATI, Sun Country and various corporate operators.

Because why not move on if you get the opportunity for something better, versus sitting and hoping for something in a few years. Ask the 10 year guys why they haven’t got a call yet, it’s not like most of them haven’t tried...

You need to be educated on what an LCC and ULCC is . I gurantee you that you don't even realize that Southwest is an LCC.

Anyways, FOs and CAs are probably applying to these airlines because, they will make over 100k 2nd year and 200k a few years after that ... at all LCC and ULCC carriers. While getting a 12-16% DC into their 401k; from day 1 . Job security, bases, growth opportunity, work rules and QOL are just better at places that sell their own tickets . Legacy carriers, UPS and Fedex are not the only great jobs out there .

Most FO's I fly with are not sticking around for the DGI.

Most of us FOs aren't impressed by the DGI. It's a tool, but it's not a reason to stay.

Most of the FOs who have left who I know were ex-military, but they weren't exclusively ex-military. Lots of folks to B6.

Seems like the FO's that I've flown with that are leaving or trying to leave are going to Jetblue. I'd say that's for lots of reasons, several of them live in Florida and want a major with a base in Florida, but also, as mentioned above, for an FO, even first year at Jetblue is a pay raise. Every year after is a pay raise above what they'd make as a Captain here. If they're looking at another year to Captain here, why not go there for a raise now and at least lateral (and likely above EDV rates) every year after?

As others have mentioned there's a certain amount of stability and additional quality of life to be gained at ANY major (even those that aren't legacies) vs a regional where we could lose our flying at any point.

Also, with the DGI running about 50% and Delta being more than willing to hire Jetblue FO's, there's really no downside to them. They give up their 50% chance 18+ months from now, for a guaranteed raise now, potential to move up at a career airline and they still have the ability to put an app in to Delta in 18 months and they might still get called.

I think the only people enticed by the DGI are guys who upgraded around a year or so ago and have it coming up around the corner. Mostly everyone else is trying for bigger and better than 9E.