Doesn't Republic and Mesa have IAH bases? I would say both are better airlines than XJT, I left XJT during the collapse and went to republic because life just got unbearable between rolled days off and constant complaining in the cockpit by me and everyone else, now on to a larger operation but life at XJT is very much in flux with everyone holding onto the dream of 25 new aircraft when they have parked 100's, place has been imploding for years with poor management. If you're going to have to commute there are more stable operators out there that pay a lot more, have large new aircraft being delivered, large signing bonuses and with lightning fast upgrade times. If you can drive to Dallas there are lots of options with great commuter airline. Good luck!