Liverbird,
The only "luck" required in being in the right place (queue) at the right time.
I paid my own way along with a little (lot) of help from the US Government, but I broke into the airlines during a party hosted by a commuter opening a base at an airport where I was a tower controller.
This commuter had invited all of the local travel agents to this "Open House" and as an afterthought called the tower to ask us. It happened I was the controller who answered the phone. I was the only controller who showed up and immediately I realized I had more experience than the F/O's who worked there.
A few words with the DO and I was "in".
A license, some experience, and RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME.
Good luck guys...you will need it, along with your skills that you will acquire along the way.
Don't apologize to anyone for however you get your start.....
