LOL 2.5 years is a very long time away. The whole regional industry will be vastly different in 2.5 years, especially now with all the hiring.... I was hired in 2007 at ASA and was told a 2 year upgrade.........ya....8 years later, still no where near an upgrade...take what airlines say with a grain of salt. Best bet for new hires, find an airline that is near where you live and has a decent (enough) contract, just in case you get stuck there for 8 years. That, and hope you're lucky.