If you're looking for a major with upgrade times under 6 years you're going to have a really long search. I totally understand the money issue, but the post by Sniper is spot on. The QOL here is fantastic, and you will end up better financially after the first few years.

I am planning(financially) to NEVER upgrade at Spirit...not that I never will, but to sit around and stare at the CA payscale is just pointless, and there are so many variables that will affect the time to upgrade. That being said, as an FO here I will top 100/hr in a few years. When you compare the FO rates here to the CA rates at XJT its a no brainer to make the move.

Now, on to bases. The ACY base could literally be gone tomorrow. There are almost as many reasons for the company to get rid of it as there is to keep it. The CURRENT plan is to keep it. We are flying very productive schedules, and the hotels in ACY are really expensive. I wouldn't count on the base being around long term though...for me its the same deal as the CA upgrade, I dont expect it, then if it happens, great for me.

Good luck in whatever you decide.