Big differences I wasn’t aware of when making the same choice:

1) AA year 2 pay starts later than UA. UA gets year 2 pay a year after INDOC start date.

2) As a commuter at UAL, you have no priority commuting. You could be on your way to work and a more senior pilot (who is non rev on a day off) can bump you. It surprises me that we don’t have better commuter polices such as the ability to book a jump seat or at least a category outside of PS that prioritizes commuters over regular non rev. Hence the reason I am living in base.

Great decision to have either way you slice it. Especially with your location flexibility. Good luck!