Soon to be retired AF. The family and I want to move back to TX so SWA and UAL look great to me. I know IAH is senior and I'll be sitting reserve for some time there if I go UAL. I know I can upgrade sooner on NB at UAL, but will have to commute to SFO/LAX/EWR. I believe if I go SWA I could hold DAL within a year, but no upgrade until year 10. I understand SWA has great scheduling flexibility which would allow for more money as an FO; not so much at UAL while on reserve.

I don't mind commuting as a junior captain but only if I can hold a line. I assume the extra days I spend at UAL commuting as a junior captain would equate to the extra days I would work at SWA as an FO trying to pad my paycheck. Does this check? How many years at UAL can a junior captain hold a line at one of the junior bases?

My goal is to put the max amount of money into savings & retirement accounts for the next 20 years while living a comfortable life with some toys. Widebody flying does interest me, but it's not a deal breaker. I'd be happy in a 737 for the next 20 years so that's not a concern. I've seen plenty of overseas flying so that's also not a concern. Just wondering if I'm crazy thinking SWA might be the better option for me given my goals.