The water, soda, and coffee at the regionals were a definite plus! The seats were more comfortable and recline nicely, but the biggest upside I would have to say is hard days off. Junior manning doesn't count since you can refuse or not answer your phone.

Also the jumpseat privileges were a huge upside... too bad you can't afford anything once you get to your destination =)

To the OP, you stated you don't want a contract, since you don't plan to be there long, which makes me think that this is to fill some international contract carrier requirement, or maybe an Emirates/Etihad type requirement. My only advice with that is to plan for the worst, and hope for the best... go to a regional where if things don't work out as planned, you are alright being stuck there for the next 5 years.

So that means apply by looking at which bases are close to where you live (even though bases come and go). Or just pick Skywest since we all know that they will absorb any growth in the regional industry.