Op, I forgot to add.
Upgrade at MQ is immediately you have your upgrade hrs. 950 qualifying 121 time. Which takes about 1.5 yrs if you come here. Our new LOA guarantees a few nice things for those getting ready to upgrade. It expires February 2019, (as it appears to be a trial for the company to get CA’s we desperately need. Due to flows & attrition). I’m sure & hopeful it gets renewed into a longer better LOA.
In 1.5 yrs you could be awarded upgrade, on the date of upgrade award is announced is your effective date to receive CA Pay (approx $67). While still an FO (senior FO) waiting for your upgrade class, which could be months ahead. As a senior FO you could get the days off you want in your bids (15-18) or bid reserve and if you live locally your at the top of the list hardly getting called while at home, while getting 75hr min guarantee and CA. You can fly as much as you want, to maximize pay also.
But overall 1.5 yrs. Granted YK pays CA more, but how long is that upgrade? 2.5 - 3yrs? How your already closer to flow by then, gained about a year extra of CA Pay.
Long term regional for regional, pound for pound, without flow, YK is the better place to go.
Just want to highlight that there are a few good benefits at MQ not talked about in the forums. With this new LOA we have. Also everyone thought NYC would be junior base, but folks are getting ORD. Aviation is all about timing!