Seconded......

 

I'm in a similar situation and still undecided. I've been offered class dates for both SKW and PSA. PSA seems like the better one to go to for a quicker career progression to the legacies, but SKW seems like a better company to work for. Plus, they're out west and I want to live in DEN.

If I were in my 20's, I think I'd go with SKW, but since I'll be 40 soon, I'm leaning towards PSA.

 

PSA either way.

 

If the CPZ quick upgrade express is still humming along that seems like a no brainer.

 

In my opinion, you should go with Compass. The respect for the SW pilots has been trending down for about 5 years and management has recently stopped even pretending they care.

You won't find a better group of front line workers than SW and it's because of that pilots are still happy. But the writing is on the wall, a union is coming because even in the good times management expects pilots to be happy with table scraps. May not happen this year or next but it's close.

Someone else said the upgrade times will go down. This is true. Upgrades are going to start flooding open. It's unusual to hear 15+ year guys talk about getting out but its finally happened. In my opinion, after this latest failure to increase pay even a modest amount, I think most people have accepted the reality SW isn't able to adapt like they once were known for. This place is going to be a business school model for how to squander goodwill.

Great people, mx and flying... just know that the pay and QOL you see now is what you'll have (or less) for a very long time.

 

FYI guys are getting msp before finishing training at cpz now

 

The basic reality is, get out of the regionals the fastest way possible. If you get comfortable, with an ok schedule, and manage to knock up a f/a, your career progression will stall. SKYW and every other regional out there are life limited, they will slowly be absorbed by the Borg. This is a chitty industry, essentially a chit sandwich, being at a major will allow a little "bread" to dilute the sandwich filler.

 

Thank you all for your input. Its very helpful to have people in the industry's advice. Lets keep a positive attitude and enjoy the career we chose.

 

If you're a west-coaster, I'd say CZ since upgrades will come faster but for MSP SKW will be hard to beat.

Even if CZ is noticeably better than SKW, the massive delta in seniority progression in MSP will more than make up for that.

Your CZ peers in MSP will still be buckling their seatbelts on the launchpad, while your SKW MSP seniority is accelerating through Max-Q.

I would guess SKW MSP upgrade would come within 2-3 years, assuming the majors keep hiring and SKW doesn't downsize (the Bro doesn't count, those pilots are already accounted for).

Some of this depends on life priorities...married w/ kids, better go for QOL. Single, you might as well go for the fastest upgrade at any regional which is not so fly-by-night that your certs will be endangered every time you come to work.

 

Hedging your bets purely on a chance at an upgrade is risky. Just ask the comair guys. I also don't think your upgrade will be 5+ years here. But it's hard to tell

There is no Union coming here, that I am aware of. The only talk about it is from people on this anonymous board who let the little imperfections ruin their day.