Originally Posted by
LaserRacer
Going to disagree with this one big time. Only you can decide where you want to live. Chasing an upgrade is at the end of the day a gamble. It might pay off big, or you may be stuck in the right seat at a company you can't stand. Going to an airline because they have an airplane you want to fly is an even worse idea. Who cares what you fly as long as it pays the bills (and hopefully isn't going away soon). Treat this decision like one you will have to live with for quite a while... Commuting wears on you in ways no description can do justice. Living in base is a HUGE improvement in QOL.
As far as Horizon, your times definitely are competitive. Hiring is supposedly continuing indefinitely, so you shouldn't have a problem getting an interview.
I'm not suggesting that he chase an upgrade. I only put that in parenthesis because that's what some people will do; likewise with choosing a plane to fly (jet vs. turboprop is one example, or avoiding an airline with a dying fleet [50 seat RJs]).
I totally agree with the mantra that you may have to live with the decision for a while. In fact, I counsel those who ask to assume that a regional job may be the only job they ever get, for reasons beyond their control. Using that as one of your base lines is smart...as is not commuting if it can be avoided.