Originally Posted by KnockKnock

I know pilots who have held SEA straight away in the last year at DAL.
AS only has 1 jet in SEA. 737. DAL has what 3 or 4? 737, (A320/21 maybe), A330 and A220. So what do you mean, "make it back to Seattle on the jet I want"?
You must want 737 and because that's what you're gonna get at either airline. Even if you don't upgrade on a widebody you'd make close to the same as a widebody FO vs 737 CA. And your schedule would be better as a senior WB FO. But if not, upgrades on the 737 are the same in SEA at both airlines.

At DAL, your training will be in ATL away from your kids and so will ALL YOUR TRIPS you fly at either airline and you're gonna fly a lot more trips as a jr FO at AS. Don't make a career decision based on 3 days out of the year. You're going to get more days off with your kids at DAL.

You reference age is a factor so you want more bang for your buck in a shorter time. 20-30K a year difference is big money even if you only have 10 left. More in retirement, better health care and sick policy are big factors that apply to older applicants.

The most honest and answer to your questio is to apply to both places and take the first one that calls. if that one is DAL, good on ya. Stay put. If it's AS and you're content, fine. If not, keep your apps fresh.