Mainline jobs are threatened by the regionals. That’s the whole point of scope. I’d encourage you to do some research in this area of the industry as the fight for scope was long and contentious.

You should want mainline to take in all the regional flying. That would create more mainline jobs and thus allow opportunities for you to get on with a mainline

 

Why would I want that? I’m plenty happy for now driving to work. Right now, where I am in life, it’s worth the difference in pay for me. Job security is pretty important to me too. Last I checked, Skywest didn’t send any active pilots home during covid when mainline did. Sure I could make 400k at mainline, but I’m okay with around 200k knowing I’m not going to lose my job the second there’s a downturn. You say mainline jobs are threatened, but I know 100% mainline pilots would complain to no end when they have a min rest overnight in Riverton Wyoming or Hobbs New Mexico. Also, I will try my best every time to get a commuter on my airplane whether it’s in the Jumpseat or in the back, but I can’t help but think it’s kind of funny that the only reason I can’t get them on is because of scope.

 

Other regionals sent pilots. Not sure about other pilots, but IIRC correctly, no one got sent home. Government stepped in and helped with payroll. Early outs also occurred.

Additionally, the regionals are some of the least secured jobs on the market. Partners can cut ties or shift flying at a whim. No one is safe. I’m surprised you believe such a a thing when regional partners are at the mercy of their mainline partners.

United also doesn’t really construct min rest layovers. A handful of layovers are like that. It’s how ops are ran here with regard to trip construction. I would ran fly to Riverton and Hobbs on a 737 then let an RJ fly it. We already fly to some small places as it is, adding a few more won’t sway QOL or QOWL one bit.

Lastly, I don’t follow your logic behind your scope comment. You’re gonna have to explain that one to me

 

The CRJ550 is severely weight limited solely because of scope. I’ve had to deny jumpseaters and non revs because of it. That was what I was referring to. “Sorry man, can’t take you home on this one, I know that the 700 can go to 75,000lbs but this 700 that only holds 50 people can only go to 65,000lbs even though it’s the same airplane”

 

I had a similar mindset. Then I got the chance to go to a legacy (commuting), took it, and am far happier than I ever was driving to work. Money is only part of it, a schedule that doesn't beat me into submission is a bigger part. There are other things that contribute as well.