Mine is a little different situation, but I left the left seat in the ERJ at XJT about a year and a half ago for CAL and looking back it was the best decision I ever made. First year pay was miserable, but in the second year I am nearly back to the pay rate I was at when I left Express. Schedule-wise I know I got lucky, but I am on the 737 in Newark and was on reserve for only three weeks. I am already over half way up the list on my base seniority list which gets me all weekends off, commutable trips as well as last Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years off. As far as ego goes, I can say flying a bigger plane is neat but after about 2 months it's basically just another flying job, so if you are looking to change jobs just for the Boeing or Airbus type, don't do it. If you are all about ego, it's nice having the option the have the 767, 777, and soon 787 to bid if you are into that. What is different is how you are treated when you have a "Major" airline employee badge. The gate agents for the most part are more respectful and abiding than I ever experienced with Express. When jumpseating on other airlines, either Mainline or and Express carrier, you are treated with more esteem and are less scrutinized. When riding on a van with Pilots or even Flight Attendants another carrier to the hotel you aren't looked down upon as the the little $%^ who is stealing our jobs (as I was when I was with Express for 6.5 years). I've had 3 FAA observation rides in while with CAL and 2 ramp checks and I can honestly say even the FAA treat you with more respect, you are looked at more as a seasoned Pilot as opposed to a "Student Pilot" on his/her way up who needs to be watched a little more closely. As far as what the future may hold, who knows, TWA and PanAm were the jobs to have in the 70's and 80's as did USAir in the early 90's, and none of us would have wanted to be at any of those carriers. The day we know that the right decisions were made about our careers is the day we taxi into the gate with a water cannon salute and have enough cash to live comfortably for the rest of our lives. But, I do think that when I retire in 35 years Continental is a lot more likely to be around than a Republic, ExpressJet, Eagle, Comair, and definitely Mesa. I feel I made the right decision and just wanted to share a few of my observations. Good luck with you decisions, I hope you all retire happy.
