Pros
If you’re trying to feel out the industry this is a good, easy place to start and get your foot in the door. Easy to get hired, and they encourage applying to bigger airlines after hire. You get a line schedule within 6-8 months on average. Until then, you’re on reserve (on-call). The union, AFA, is phenomenal. To be a member or representative is to be really knowledgeable, and they work countless hours all in the name of your best interests. If you can follow directions, be punctual, and reliable, you will do very well at Mesa.
Cons
Off days are inconsistent until you get seniority, and even then it’s hard. This completely changes one’s lifestyle. Will most likely require that you move to base. Commuting (flying to work) is hard and risky. Average 80-100 hours A MONTH. The pay rate looks nice, but with half the flight hours, it’s not as much as you’d think. $1,600-$2,100 a month if you work hard. You’re never home and they charge you for benefits, clothing, etc. The only way for it to be worth it will come in a few years when your raises start adding up and your schedule gets better. The first year is very rough financially. The average crowd (IAD, PHX, and IAH) is either really nice, or gossipy and dramatic. Majority goes to the latter unfortunately. There’s a lot of sleeping around. You can peg this as a pro or a con, but be prepared to be propositioned. This does not reflect Mesa Air or what it values. This reflects the industry as it is today, though it is in transition to a more inclusive, professional environment.