Originally Posted by Cruz5350

Now that I'm on a computer and can type more clearly let me explain why I think it's still beneficial to take the 175 even if it means reserve. I've been here just shy of a year and I'm currently ORD based on the CRJ so all my opinions will be coming from that viewpoint. I've enjoyed my time here quite a bit and love the guys I fly with. I've decided to transition to the 175 and here's why:

1. Engines under the wing are way cooler and every major loves pilots who fly them.
2. On a more serious note my seniority in base has gone backwards as BRO transitions move into ORD while they most likely wait for a Cali base. Whereas I'll move up a good amount on the 175 side. (the difference in trips by being 10% higher or lower in seniority is negligible if at all even noticeable. )
3. Being a new hire on the CRJ and not on reserve will not net you any consistency in being able to fly the 7/9. I prefer those planes due to the leg lengths and the number of legs in a day/pairing. It's less work no matter how you look at it. The 175 is similar in that you won't be doing a 6 leg day where you go back and forth to MKE 3 times in a day like I just did.
4. The 175 has less local pairings and more 4 days whereas the CRJ at my level is mostly locals. This all varies due to whatever is handed to us by mainline in a given month, but locals especially good paying ones will go more senior. On the 175 it's meant to do longer stage lengths so a 2 leg local even a crappy paying one will be equivalent to a 4 legger on the 200. I don't remember seeing any min day guarantee 175 locals but if there is it's much less tiring than a 4 leg 200 pairing that sends you ORD-FWA and ORD-MBS etc. etc.

To me this all boils down to how much am I going to get paid and how hard will I have to work for it. Even on reserve in the 175 you wont be getting worked the same way as you will on the CRJ. Heck there is guys who can hold a line on the CRJ who purposely bid reserve because of how inefficient our pairings have been lately. What would you rather get called in to work a 175 ORD-MSP turn or 200 FWA and maybe a MKG with some ready afterwards?

It's all a matter of opinion but to me a Chicago based guy who lives close to the airport it's a no brainer. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask or shoot me a PM and I'll do my best. Either way you're at a good company and have an awesome pilot group so you won't be disappointed.