Having worked at CommutAir, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone...it's a bottom of the barrel regional. Their ALPA-negotiated contract is weaker than PSA's concessionary contract. The same people who preach you'll regret working at PSA are the ones who claimed working for GoJet would ruin your career, which obviously hasn't panned out.

A regional is a regional. Get in, get your time, get out ASAP.

Always go for the place that's easy to get to. It doesn't matter where you go now, you're getting an ATP, a type, and multi engine turbine time. Never, ever chase an upgrade. Take the place that let's you drive to work; whether it's PSA, CommutAir, GoJet, or Eagle.

What is the likelihood that new hires at commutair will be able to get EWR for base?

From what I understand, CLE is the junior base. However, during my interview, I was told the previous class had an equal amount go to all three bases. Guess it just depends how they choose your seniority number

Besides commutair are there any other regionals with junior bases in the New York metro area?

look at airline/regional profiles. that will answer your question

I have been at CommutAir 1 yr 3 mo and I really like it. That being said its my first regional so maybe I'm just ignorant of qol at other regionals. I live in base which is huge.