Florida bases will also be more senior due to tax reasons as people progress down the seniority list and start making more they start looking for ways to send less to uncle sam. You are looking at 6 months to a year to hold MCO at SWA and then you are low man on the totem pole forever. It is the second most senior base there, much longer upgrade, much longer reserve, and always on the 737. I can't look that far down the road but you are probably looking at (WAG) an additional decade in the right seat at SWA vs UAL if you are holding out for MCO. Some of my friends that were hired recently are projecting a 12-15 yr upgrade from a somewhat pessimistic viewpoint. That is probably a 1.5 million dollar difference in income if you bid earliest upgrade at UAL. If you don't take the earliest upgrade you will still have a better QOL vs SWA by being a much higher % FO in a very junior base like EWR (10% EWR @ UAL vs 50% MCO @ SWA). Driving to work is awesome but driving to work 15 days a month vs commuting to 12-13 days a month... that to me seems like a wash.

Does your SO work? Will she down the road when you are making more or have kids or dislikes her job? Is money involved in this equation? The career potential before you at United is pretty staggering if the party continues a few more years. I am senior to you by about 6 months and in EWR on the 73 I can trade for 18-20 days off and about 70-75 credit every month.

Commuting sucks but your earnings at United will be easier on your body and this is a marathon when you get in it at such a young age. You will burn yourself out flying 80-90 hrs of multi-leg days at SWA. You can also find a more diverse fleet and trip mix to fit your interests at UAL. I think in the near term the earnings difference between SWA and UAL is negligible but the type and variety of flying is completely different and you will be paid more to commute in the long run. You will have the same tax benefits of living in Florida while being based in EWR and not paying the 6.5% income tax in NJ which makes EWR a junior base which will pay dividends your whole career. Even if you bought tickets and stayed at the Marriot before trips you are still ahead in career earnings.

I rambled but either one is a pretty great spot to be but it really comes down to what you want out of life. UAL could buy Frontier tomorrow and bam... MCO here you come. This industry is nuts.