Hello everyone, first post on here, try not to torch me too hard for this post. Currently about 2 years away from reaching ATP minimums but I’m still trying to get a grip on where I should go early on. Right now I really want to fly for an AA WO because the long term goal is to one day fly for American. I’ve narrowed it down between PDT and ENV out of the 3.

Long term goal for residency is Dallas and my girlfriend and I want to move there soon (currently living in Wichita, KS) so obviously ENV has that advantage. However getting to American ASAP is also something that is very enticing to think about so PDT has that advantage.

PDT pros- Faster flow to AA, triple premium pay, no reserve, quicker upgrade.
PDT cons- Two leg commute from ICT currently, one leg if I move to DFW are. QOL and scheduling seems subpar compared to ENV. PHL and CLT I never see myself wanting to live in so honestly would probably commute my whole time here. Yikes.

ENV pros- QOL seems way better once I’d be able to hold DFW. Only 1 leg commute if I still live in ICT, live in base if I move to DFW. I’m aware DFW is a senior base here and understand I will still have to commute the first year or two here no matter what. Potential to fly nice shiny E175s.
ENV cons- Longer flow to AA. DFW is very senior and I wouldn’t be able to get it for a bit. The thought of LGA reserve is also an ugly thought...

Currently my gut says Envoy but the thought of getting to AA quicker is very enticing. Leaning more towards ENV just because of the potential better QOL in the long term. Hopefully by the time I reach my ATP minimums Envoy will pick up hiring again.

Thanks for the help, yes I created this account to make this thread so please don’t grill me too hard...