SEAtoSUMMIT:

If Delta is your first choice, call in your markers, network, find out what you need to do to your app to get it scored highly, do whatever it takes to get that interview, wear the right suit and tie color, do the prep, know all of the answers, and know whether to sit in the rocking chair, so to speak. It still is whom you know in this world.

That being said, practically speaking, you take the first offer that comes down the pike. If it's your first choice, great. If not, keep your apps up-to-date. Keep networking. Keep trying. The best way to get a job is to already have one.

Wherever you end up, living in base is huge. That’s the ideal. So, even though you have already ruled it out, consider moving. Never say never. As an airline pilot, you'll find your self rationalizing a lot of decisions by telling yourself and others that it's cheaper than alimony.

As far as commuting is concerned, it's a relative thing. It's not ideal at any one place; but, it's better at some places than others. It depends upon the airline work rules (scheduling/scheduling flexibility) and the distance you have to commute. There's a big difference between SEA-SFO or SEA-OAK and a trans-con to get to work. Being able to commute the day of a trip as opposed to coming in the day before or going home the day after is huge as well. Also, the scheduling flexibility at where you end up is very, very important. The ability to arrange your schedule around your commute, birthdays, anniversaries, and the ability to just drop down if need be makes a world of difference.

It’s cliché but very, very, true nonetheless. If mama’s not happy, NO ONE is happy. There is more to life than money, especially if chasing that money ends in divorce or a child in rehab.

There are plenty of Reserve McChord guys who do just what you’re asking. Hopefully they can shed some light on the subject. Ask about drilling and commuting. Ask about Mil Leave and their personal experiences. In the past, Alaska had issues with Mil Leave at both McChord and Whidbey. Ask about scheduling flexibility. Especially ask the McChord Alaska guys about any ability to change their schedules. Step trades? Can they drop below 75? Can they trade with open time? Are all of the days closed because of inadequate reserve coverage? Vacation? Can they get vacation with their families? Weekends, nights, or holidays? Keep in mind that just because their contract has provisions, MOUs, and LOAs for scheduling doesn't mean that they can practically do it. Can you say Third Step?

Lastly, ask any Reserve McChord buddies about how many days they get off each month. A Delta guy flying green slips at double-time is getting paid more than twice as much as an Alaska guy limited contractually to working mostly for straight time. Hypothetically, that could mean a Delta guy or gal working less than half as many days in a month compared to an Alaska guy. It is all about the work rules. Ask your buddies to show you their W-2s. What you make as an airline pilot is not your hourly wage. It’s what your W-2 says at the end of the year. That W-2 is a product of work rules. The ability to get paid more in the same or fewer days equates to more days at home with your family if you so choose.

My first choice would be to do anything and everything to get on with DA in Seattle. The reasons are many. Hopefully you know the specifics. Again, it's a relative thing. Bottom line, DA gives you the most choices going forward. Don’t give up on that one.

Personally, I would commute to OAK for Southwest before I would go to Alaska. Even with the commute to OAK, your schedule, QOL, and future will be better. AM/PM lines, trips touching, only 15 days on reserve, the ability to drop down each month, trades, good rigs, and better pay, etc. None of which you will enjoy at Alaska by comparison. Southwest is also a larger airline planning on doing a lot of hiring. There’s more of everything to be had and things will move faster at a larger airline compared to smaller Alaska.

So, to sum it up, you apply to your top choices, you take the first offer that comes your way, and if necessary, you keep trying to get-on at your number one choice.

Good luck.
Work to Live NOT Live to Work.
Thank you too for your service.