My argument with you is not about Skywest, only about discouraging pilots away from TSA because of what you're projecting upgrade times to be. Like I said earlier, FlyingKat pretty much says what I was trying to say. TSA has had it's ups and downs like most others, but right now the mood is optimistic (they can't hire fast enough and can't upgrade til they can replace the FO's+ who are waiting to upgrade) and that makes it a lot easier to show up for work.

I don't understand why folks come on these boards and ask the question of where they should go. If an adult needs advice on what airline to go to, then you're doing it wrong.

Make your own decision.

My buddy at TSA is a recent new hire.
During his ground school, he submitted his upgrade application.
He is now sitting number 20 something in upgrade bid.

Did you make your decision by flipping a coin? I believe the whole purpose of coming here is to get an idea of what people think of their respective regional. I highly doubt he's looking to be told what to do but merely comparing two choices. My question to you would be why do you advocate someone making a decision based solely on what they hear from recruiters? That is the more irresponsible action.

Indeed...currently having to choose between two, which includes Trans States. Most of my friends don't fly for the regionals, so I have to scrounge for information from people in here, which is exactly what these boards are for. Trans States for me will be a two leg commute, the other a 5 hour drive...hardly any reserve at Trans States and looking at a year or more at my other option. Good decisions take good information...which one in 20 posts in here tend to give when absent the whining and finger pointing...

5 hour drive?! That is much worse than a 2 legger IMO. 2 hours tops

Sigh... Commuting sucks. Go where you don't have to commute. Otherwise, it's still a giant guessing game. Though, you should ask yourself, why is the upgrade so much quicker at TSA? Could it be that no one wants to stick around? Moreover, if the OP won't have the newly required experience to upgrade in one year, what does it matter? By the way, don't mistake the fact that the most junior captain at SkyWest has been here for 6 years and take it to mean that it is a 6 year upgrade. We barely hired between mid-2007 and 2010. Once things start moving in earnest again, that "time to upgrade" will drop, granted not to 1 year, but that's because a lot of people are very happy here. YMMV.

O ya, go to Skywest

Also, you might want to consider this: SkyWest has hundreds of planes and contracts with just about everybody, if we lose a few planes, not that huge a deal considering our natural attrition. If UAL comes to Hulas and wants to cut 10 of your Embraers, or trade them out for 700's, what happens to your quick upgrade (or your job altogether)? Study the TSA/GoJets contract and history very carefully...

My 2 leg commute is usually around 6 hours total. When I drive (5 hours), I know that I don't usually have weather issues and I know the mx on my car is not going to fail me and it never cancels. I can dress casually, stop when I want, leave when I want, carry a cooler full of snacks and drinks, listen to whatever I want on the radio, and I don't have to listen to screaming babies or have someone kicking the back of my seat the whole way. I also know I'll get a seat in my own car. It sucks to have to spend the gas money but as soon as I resign myself to making the drive, get a good night sleep and the stress is done. No hateful gate agents....and I always have a way home!