I cant get an answer to this in the Search column..
I'm getting out of the military and some people are telling me to get my ATP while others are telling me certain airlines will hook me up so save my money. I've already finished my Written. What gives?

The requirements for an ATP and a Part 135 or 121 checkride are virtually identical. Depending on who gives the checkride, you can sometimes do a "two for one" special. That's how I got my ATP, as part of a Part 135 checkride with the FSDO (no check airman at the company). This saves you the cost of the designated examiner and any flight training.

Good luck!

Do you need it for the minimums to theoretically get hired? No. With major airline companies having a plethora (a what?) of applications on file 99% of which do have the ATP why would you allow yourself to be stacked below the others? Honestly, I don't know that it would do that for sure, but we are talking about computer databases and I can see how some HR types could do a search, and well, you know where I'm going here. I understand what you are saying and any flying isn't cheap, but my $.02 is get the ticket and don't allow your app to potentially be pushed to the bottom. I know if you go to get a 737 type at Higher Power or similar they will give you the ATP for no additional cost, but it sounds like you aren't going that $7500 route anyway.