captainv

Your theoretical upgrade at ABX would come much sooner than your theoretical upgrade at a legacy. I fondly remember my theoretical 18-month upgrade at my old regional. (it took 6 years, and I was downgraded after 7 months when the furloughs cranked up)

ATL is a senior DAL base. You would have better relative seniority and thus better QOL in JFK or DTW. It's difficult to describe how horrendous it is to commute out of CVG, although it's nice to see some larger metal on ATL-CVG run, at least. Imagine how much fun it'll be when DAL closes the CVG crew base. Perhaps you'd have better luck if you lived closer to LEX, CMH, DAY, SDF?

On the plus side, the hiring hasn't cranked up yet, so it's still an academic exercise. Do your homework and put your stuff in at the places you'd enjoy hanging your hat. If and when they offer you a class date, you'll have an agonizing decision to make. But at least you'll have a choice!

WTFover

I understand your predicament. To date my crystal ball has not done well.

I am still furloughed from ABX and now at Atlas, so I have been considering whether to stay put, go back to ABX (when recalled) an/or apply to the legacies when they start up.

The sheer numbers of retirements at the legacy carriers makes that a very tempting proposition, IF one could get on near the start of the hiring. I agree with others, put your stuff in, never close a door and perhaps you'll have a choice to make. Choices are good.

Diesel450

I currently am based in DTW with a regional, live in northern KY. The drive is straight up 75, Takes 3:45 -4:00. Very easy drive. Only saves about 30 mins compared to JS outta CVG. The flights up there are relatively open now, the commute has gotten a lot better since Delta did what they did with comair. But you always have a ride home with your car up there.

VSTOLG4

If you really think an upgrade is within 7 years stay at ABX. Are you sure you can stomach starting at the bottom again somewhere else working for first year wages again?

threeighteen

I wouldn't count on United keeping CLE open for much longer either. Next economic downturn that comes around after the post merger dust settles could see it close.

L'il J.Seinfeld

I bet UPS hires within 12 months. I highly recommend it. Do your research though and decide who you believe.

TallFlyer

Blasphemy! The 12angry men will burn you for this.....

Full pull

I think the advice I was given 30+ years ago still applies, get on with the biggest airline you can.

Herman

The bottom at Delta is soft and smooth, and smells nice.

EXPAT1

The ACMI business will be a constant roller coaster ride. If you are near the bottom at ABX it will be miserable. Depending upon your age I would bail out at the first Good job that comes along. Upgrades are non-existent at current to Captain and a few trickle retirements in the next few years won't change things much. ABX will need to secure some new business and Joe has another option to grow ATI or pit it against ABX in a whipsaw pitting both pilot groups against each other in a spiral to the bottom. The DHL contract the prize jewel for ABX is up for total open bidding to the lowest bidder in 2017. Atlas will be pushing hard for all that business. It will always be a gamble in life but too many obstacles in your path for a long career at an ACMI carrier being near the bottom.