[MENTION=119166]Hitch18[/MENTION] the Horizon part quoted above is something you should definitely understand and research so you make a fully informed decision. If you're starting soon also consider that it's more than possible that you get SFO or LAX instead of SEA. I don't know how that compares to the current Delta outlook for you. Where are you in the hiring pipeline?[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the reply and I've appreciated the information from yourself and the other posters. As a military guy looking from the outside in there is lot of details to understand especially when it comes to comminuting and I'm starting to wrap my head around it.

In terms of where I am at, I'm in the process of converting my Transport Canada ATPL into the FAA ATP. So far I have all steps complete except the CTP course which I'm taking in August. Literally the day that's done I will be applying to multiple carriers.

For my specific situation it looks like Delta is the best option as it has multiple non stop flights on the mainline to MSP on the 320. So 2 jump seats plus from what I understand at Delta you are able to book the jumpseat which would be ideal. Also I would try to bid the 320 out of MSP and fly the MSP to YYC legs myself and try to get a could extra nights at home.

United also has multiple mainline non stop flights to Denver. So that's plan B.

The information you're telling me about Alaska/ Horizon is a little surprising but if true it would be deal breaker. So that would probably stop me from applying at all to Alaska unfortunately.

So from what I'm tracking, Delta and United are the best since commuting on the mainline sounds way better for a few reasons. I initially thought SEA would be the best base simply because it's the shortest distance but I've learned it's not that simple haha.

Cheers and thanks again everyone for taking time to share your information.