In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into one of the biggest debates in the airline world: regional versus mainline flying. Rich has always flown mainline, while Drew brings a ton of insight from his years working at a regional airline. So we’re unpacking the real differences in schedules, pay...
In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into one of the biggest debates in the airline world: regional versus mainline flying. Rich has always flown mainline, while Drew brings a ton of insight from his years working at a regional airline. So we’re unpacking the real differences in schedules, pay, camaraderie, catering (or lack thereof), and what it truly means to fly solo on a 50-seater.
Whether you're in the industry, considering becoming a flight attendant, or just a curious traveler, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes perspectives and brutally honest takes on the pros, cons, and culture of both worlds. Plus, we’ve got a cringe-worthy galley gossip story that will make you rethink in-flight proposals forever.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Episode Highlights:
[0:00] Kicking things off with flight attendant mood swings and summer flying chaos
[4:05] Intro to today’s topic: the battle of regional vs. mainline
[5:41] Drew breaks down what regional flying actually is—and how he stumbled into it
[6:38] Flying solo: what it's really like to be the only flight attendant on board
[10:13] The boarding pay debate and why regional FAs work way harder than they get credit for
[13:24] DIY catering horror stories and building your own galley mid-flight
[16:19] Mainline arrogance: why we need to stop looking down on regional crews
[18:41] Seniority, choices, and finding the right airline “fit” for you
[20:18] Why transferring airlines isn’t just a quick hop—it’s a full restart
[23:25] Losing the camaraderie: how the industry has changed
[26:19] Respecting everyone’s path in aviation—there is no one-size-fits-all
[28:00] Travel benefits explained: how they differ between regionals and mainline
[30:23] StaffTraveler shoutout and how it’s saved our non-rev lives
[31:12] Galley Gossip: an in-flight proposal gone terribly, hilariously wrong
[34:19] How to support us on Patreon and what’s coming next!
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