Thanks all for the great advice. I have classdates available in the same timeframe at CAL and AT, but I think I'm making the right decision choosing DAL (even with the merger). Anyone disagree?

It looks like we may or may not see anything to ATL in our drop, but that would probably work best for the commute. It sounds like "most" of the time I'd have more than 12 hours notice, but if the situation arose that iaflyer mentioned with an 8pm call for short-call starting at 8am, I couldn't make it. If you cannot GUARANTEE that you'll make it to short-call when converted, is it even possible to sit long-call at home?

Any idea how fast one would move up in the 73 CVG or -90 SLC compared to -88 ATL or ER NYC? I keep hearing about CVG being senior, so I'm wondering if that would again be signing up for a year or more on reserve?

Sully, good point about RJ jumpseating. All the "DAL" nonstops to/from SLC and CVG I mentioned are RJs. My options to NYC would be a nonstop off-line or a two-hop on-line (88) commute. I'm using amadeus.net...anyone have another favorite?

Thanks again...I appreciate you all taking the time to respond.