Howdy,

I'm in the March 3rd class at DAL, which now sounds like a class of 50. I have a very high last-four SSN so BB says I should have my choice of aircraft (among those offered, of course). I'd appreciate your thoughts on what aircraft and base I should pick given these circumstances:
Priorities:
1 - Time at home
2 - Type of flying (prefer longer legs over 6-hop madness)
3 - Money

Commute:
MCI - NYC: ~8 non-stops/day, but none on DAL
MCI - ATL: ~15+ non-stops/day, half on DAL
MCI - CVG/SLC: ~4 non-stops/day, all on DAL

Things I'm considering:
- Would commuting be less painful as a two-hop to a line (like NYC) or a non-stop to reserve (like ATL)?
- How big a difference is it to commute online vs. offline? I know we can reserve jumpseats on DAL 2 days prior, since reserve is considered pleasure travel.
- Would you bid an aircraft that you want to be on for awhile given the upcoming merger possibility and associated freezes, etc?
- If something like a 765 or 777 was offered, would it be crazy to take it (commuting to reserve for years?)

Sorry for the lengthy post, and thanks in advance!