Well, here's my .02. I just took a look at Republic's airline's pay scale. I wouldn't hesitate in a second to move to NJA. I've been here almost 7 years. I'm a CPT in the XL and will easily clear $100,000 this year, not including our bonus. With per diem and extras, I figure about $120,000. AND that doesn't include the 401k match of tax free $7500 per year AND free medical, dental, vision AND 3 weeks of vacation which is really 9 weeks. I like the 7 and 7. Doing FA duties is a non issue really. The FO usually takes care of the cabin cleaning (he can pay a lineman to do it and get reimbursed, or do it himself), and the CPT normally takes care of the exterior stuff like getting fuel, ordering a lav service, getting weather, greeting pax. Both will normally load and unload bags. But there is usually a lineman to help.. a little. You get used to doing that stuff and get fast at it.
My original plan was to be at a major airline 5 years after I left the Army. But things have changed.. I'm staying put at NJA. Could things be better here.. yes.. there are some issues to be looked at now and during the next bargaining sessions. But I think it's a no brainer.
