Originally Posted by Sputnik

Work for whoever hires you.

Delta pays more, has way more variety of flying--from wide body international to narrow body domestic, even some Alaska flying. I'm 99% (and too lazy to do the research to get to 100%) certain that the Jr SEA guy is a 2015 hire.

Alaska is a great company that does some really cool flying, goes to a lot of cool places, has lots of good folks, and a solid legacy.

If you want to live in NW, want as a good a guarantee as exists in this business that you'll never have to commute [far], it'd be hard not to go hard after Alaska. Delta is making a huge push in SEA, but who knows how long it'll last. Or how senior it'll get once things equalize.

Both companies are in good places financially, both hire great people, either would make a great home. I can't tell you how much is enough for you and your family (and holy heck has the pac NW gotten expensive), but with a mil retirement I suspect you'd do just fine at Alaska. I have trouble believing that the "culture" of either is much greater, you'd probably be happy at either. Look at outside factors that are important to you and yours.

Of course, until you get hired by both you really don't have much of a problem.

Good luck.