Still definitely DL, or UA.

Exception might be if you really must live in PDX or ANC, really don't want to commute, and are old enough that WB CA isn't in the cards. There are always special cases.

You could make the argument for must live in SAN, since that's rapidly trending towards an AS domicile. But not 100% assured, and you can easily drive to LAX, and maybe sort of sit LAX reserve in SD, with any of the legacies.

AA might be a closer call, depending on commute. But I'd still default to AA absent special circumstances.

It's hypothetically possible that if you're young, AS will grow into a significant international airline (SEA centric) and that might work out really well if you want to be in the PNW. But no way to predict for sure.


AS reserve in general is not fun (despite some bases being temporarily under-utilized due to boeing-induced over-staffing).

But reserve isn't fun at some other majors too... I'd generally assume it's going to suck anywhere, unless you have specifics otherwise. I think DL is objectively better-than-average, and WN gives you 15 days off, which makes up for a lot.


Upgrade where? SFO? I'd guess 4-5 years for 2025 hire. SEA? Maybe 5-6? Total SWAG though.

Assuming planned growth as scheduled and no big industry downturn (latter would affect other airlines too of course).