Originally Posted by
CanyonBlue
I always recommend taking the first option, or close to it.
When the Max was grounded, plenty were stuck with NO option. Same with Covid. A two year sit if you didn't take the upgrade. You never know what's around the corner.
How about an unknown medical issue that pops up? Better to get CA pay while out than FO pay. All things to consider.
This is true, but you could also conversely be stuck doing a 2 leg east to west coast commute to reserve for those two years, which for some is definitely not worth it.
As for the CA pay vs FO pay, it's based on a 12 month look back, so most FOs near upgrade, they're probably at the cap anyway.