Originally Posted by Excargodog (Post 3672997)

And the seniority system tends to bias that as well. IOE excepted, the senior CAs tend to fly with the senior FOs because they both tend to get awarded the better schedules. But those FOs are also the best paid and with the best QOL, hence the most to lose stepping back to $100K and a crashpad in EWR or LAX. And even if it would be a faster NB upgrade sometimes, they’d still be junior to thousands of pilots and on reserve in EWR or LAX even longer.

Giving up a lineholder slot anywhere has costs. Giving up a senior lineholder slot at NK - while it will pay off in the long run (at least if you are young enough) - is more difficult. I don’t think we actually lose many senior FOs or lineholding CAs. The bulk of the attrition seems to come in the first 1-2 years.

Originally Posted by Hugh Betcha (Post 3673266)

I always figured 40 or younger, and I would have tried to get to a legacy. I always thought in terms of giving up millions over a few more years of pain was worth my situation.The equation is more difficult with the potential benefits of the JCBA. Everyone has to make the call for themselves.

In my case, years of crappy reserve in ATL, would have prevented weekly Sunday lunch with my in laws. Now that has value in my world.

Originally Posted by GrumpyCaptain (Post 3673576)

it wasn’t long ago that being 40-45 was the youngest in a new hire class at a major. Not sure where this magic 40 number comes from? If you went to go, go. I think if you’re under 60 it could make sense for you.

Originally Posted by rufusmi (Post 3673880)

Hey guys, thinking of applying. How long would it take to get DTW or ORD as a new FO at Spirit?

Originally Posted by rufusmi (Post 3673880)

Hey guys, thinking of applying. How long would it take to get DTW or ORD as a new FO at Spirit?

Originally Posted by Hugh Betcha (Post 3673835)

I'm sure it's possible do a breakeven analysis based just on pay rates vs years of service, but the industry was pretty dismal when I was in my early 40's. We had TWA, AA and a few DAL guys in classes before 9/11, then it got really ugly.

Not to mention, having a few years at Spirit on your resume was like showing up for an interview with a face tattoo and a nose ring. They knew about the Mack Attack et al., heck, it came out in the Washington Post before our DO found out about it. To answer your question 20-25 years of seniority is just a nice career.

I just read your last sentence and agree under 60? Sure it could.

Originally Posted by rufusmi (Post 3673880)

Hey guys, thinking of applying. How long would it take to get DTW or ORD as a new FO at Spirit?

Originally Posted by mesteve (Post 3675443)

How about getting IAH or FLL/MIA as a new hire?