This makes no sense. Sure if you want a shot at working for AA specifically within 2-3 years after starting, an AA wholly owned is probably not the best, but guess what? You're probably not getting hired at a major in 2-3 years anyway, especially if you go to a stagnant or shrinking contract regional with indefinitely long upgrade times. Go to a wholly owned, upgrade, get your apps out to other majors and keep that flow or guaranteed interview in your back pocket.