25 year upgrades? 😂

I think the current estimate is around 10-12 years for upgrade. That assumes a lot, as do ANY predictions about ANY airline (If I could see the future I wouldn't be an airline pilot). Ask anyone that has been in this industry for a while. Guys killing themselves to get that dream shot at that one great airline that ends up going under, getting absorbed, merged, whatever. How many pilots kicked themselves after turning down that crappy little upstart SWA for that glamorous mainline job, only to be furloughed 4 times or out of a job altogether. Unlike all those legacies, SWA has never laid off a single pilot.

Predictions and fortune tellers are a dime a dozen in this business. I would go with the place that suits your lifestyle and go with it.

On another note, once you get away from the regionals you find most major/legacy guys really don't care what seat they're in or how many stripes try get to walk through the terminal with. It's a job. Pay/schedules are what matters. At an average of only 30-35% pay increase, most senior FOs have better schedules and pay than junior captains. They'll tell you to keep the 4th stripe.

Great post!

Exactly. "Quick Upgrade" is a mythological goal that airline management has created in order to entice pilots. They are being brainwashed that being the CA is the only goal which allows them to pay slave FO wages.

That's maybe the only good thing about a really crappy regional that pushes this idea. You learn fast that it never pans out as such, and you only fall for it once, if you're actually gullible enough to fall for it in the first place.

What's worse is that airlines other than crappy regionals are using the tactic. And what's worse still is that pilots believe it.

Sorry I just can't stop typing: And even when it works out to be true, it's still never worth it. Need to be paid appropriately from the beginning regardless of projected company growth or not.

Who is it that thinks airline pilots are smarter than the average bear!?!?

Doesn't sound like things went well at the bargaining table.

-sigh-

MG(t) showing true colors...again. I hope few were convinced by the recent feign of reason and enthusiasm.

His thinking about how the airline business should be run is well-known and anti-employee, he won't change it unless compelled to for solid financial reasons. Which is unfortunate because Allegiant is profitable, has some unique routes and lots of customers that would be repeat customers if the travel problems were ironed out, which would entail spending some of those profits.

Pretty much all big-ticket items now. If there was truly any change in mgmnt. willingness to bargain it would have shown this week. No way this gets done in 2016.

Allegiant's pilot costs will go way down.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGcyier95sw&

That's funny right there.. MD80 pilots forewarned. I feel safe on the Bus since they lack the strength of opposable thumbs for the joystick.

Allegiant management has stated attrition is 15% for first officers and high single digits for captains. That jibes with the union's latest update for negotiations; the company whining about attrition and a need for us to once again pay for their expansion of shareholder value. The latest class of new hires are all MD80s; to bad for them no shopping that Bus type at JetBlue. Like their predecessors, darn. And word is the next new hire class behind them will be all MD80s. Plan accordingly eager beavers.

Allegiant management actions have once again spoken louder than their worthless words. JB is blowing sunshine, stating he wants a contract this year. He again or anyone else who can make a decision is a no-show at negotiations. Anyone coming here thinking a new contract is around the corner and management telling you so, is lying.

On a happy note adherence to FAA medical standards, as mandated per FAR compliance is having a good and visible effect. Keep up the good work. And remember proper FAR compliance is your friend. Extend(s)? Nope, that's for E.D.