Surplus,
I haven't the knowledge or foresight to answer your $$$ questions, maybe somebody else will take a whack at it.
But I still think even if, collectively, the entire mainline/legacy/whatever carriers take 10-year step back in pay and working conditions it will still be a step forward for pilots coming from regional/feeder/jet national/watever carriers.
I came from a decent regional (now known as Expressjet). I was a Captain on the ERJ. When I went to Delta there were numerous intangibles that made just being an employee there great and made it a good career job. I'll try to highlight my experiences...and these are really the things I think about when I think of getting recalled some day. The pay is certainly something to look forward to, but there's so much more to it than that...
For one thing, I really enjoyed flying with Captains that had all sorts of different experiences...I felt like I learned a lot from them. They had a relaxed, professional manner when it came to problem solving that I think we all strive for. At COEX we all had about the same experience, similar backgrounds, etc. We were generally the same age, had never flown a jet before, went to the same colleges, etc.
Being at a major was better because as a pilot you benefitted from procedures and being developed for 70+ years. Most everything that was done had a reason it was done that way, and most things ran so much smoother than at my regional. They had a great emphasis on safety...it was truly imbedded into your brain. There was never a pressure to "be cool & laid back". You were expected to do a professional job all the time. It was really liberating. No cocky 25 year old attitudes to deal with. Things that would have labeled me as a "hard ass" or "nitpicker" or "uncool" at COEX were simply the way things were done at Delta. Of course you use the checklist for everything, Of COURSE you identify navaids, Of COURSE you had charts out even though its a glass airplane, of COURSE you try to nail the airspeeds. I never had someone say "I've flown this airplane for 7 years and I don't need a checklist" (got that from some 3-year RJ FOs at COEX). It was just a comfortable, professional atmosphere to work in with mutual respect between crewmembers.
The training was outstanding. Nobody at the training department was there to prove anything...they were there to help you get through the training and make sure you were prepared for the line. The training center itself was amazing with all the resources at your disposal 24-7. I never feared training, even while on probation.
Plus lets not forget that flying bigger aircraft has its rewards. Generally, they are more capable operationally...not many headaches with weight restrictions, climb performance, range, etc. Things don't break as much because the company has mechanics with tons of experience. The radar works....which was a big plus over the ERJ! The dispatchers actually knew what they were doing. Delta has their own meteorologists at your disposal. Its fun to have a big crew and get to know other crewmembers at the overnight.
For pilots, everything related to day-to-day schedule was pretty computerized. Between checking your schedule on the computer and getting messages from scheduling over ACARs, you rarely spoke with an actual scheduler. Wanna drop a day off? Put in the request on the computer and check back in 12 hours. Wanna pick up a trip, do the same. The computer knew the contract and if it was permitted, viola....no asking for "favors" or dreading talking to a particular scheduler like I did at COEX.
The attitudes in the Chief Pilot's office and management were 180 from what we had at COEX. In particular, they did not micromanage pilots. Their philosophy was that we were experienced enough and paid to make the tough decisions...if they start nitpicking, you can develop a culture where people sometimes avoid making the tough, although right, decision because they don't want to defend themselves in front of the Chief Pilot. The motto was "you make the tough call, and we'll back you up." And it wasn't just a motto...they did back you up.
I was always treated with the utmost respect by fellow employees. Something that we all know does NOT happen at the regionals. Everyone from the crew scheduler (when you spoke to them) to the dispatcher, mechanics, ramp guys, etc. respected your position and were super friendly. Perhaps it was because they were treated with respect as well?! (Imagine that!) Most all the mainline employees were there for a career too and treated their jobs as seriously as we do. They always tried to do a great job and generally were provided the tools to do so. When I was hired, spouses and family members were invited down for the first two days of indoc. It was great that they included spouses on the benefits packages, how our schedules worked, etc. We were all given a big tour of Delta HQ and the Delta Heritage Museum, then they threw a dinner for us where we were given our first set of wings by the director of flight ops in a big ceremony...they gave our spouses roses I think. Talk about a warm welcome.
Anyway, I could go on and on. No matter what has happened since, Delta people made you feel pretty great to be a Delta pilot from day 1. I know the same thing used to happen at UAL. Not sure about the other majors but I'm sure it all carries over.
And if you want to talk about pay...even if a "regional
had 70,90, or even 100 seat airplanes some day...they will never pay the same as a 150, 200, or 250 seat airplane. There will always be more money at the mainline carriers with a focus on retirement.
But economics aside, I just loved being a part of the mainline experience for so many other reasons. No matter what happens I know I reached my goal of being a big-airplane airline pilot....and it was great...even if it may have been short-lived.
ps...Oh yeah, and I forgot one more point that makes being at a major mo-better. When there are "pilot shortages" our low-time hires have 3000 hours....not 500. Makes for a much less stressful Captain!
