How far in advance to apply?
 

Military guys...how many months before you were getting out did you drop your applications to the airlines?

6 months, depending on how much terminal leave you have on the books.

I started at 9 months but had plenty of leave "saved up"

1 Year
 

I started 1 year prior. Make sure you have your availability date on your resume though. Availability = DOS - Terminal Leave. If you have a few squares to fill such as ATP or FE Written, etc. Fill those first and then send in your apps. In other words make yourself as competitive as possible. If there is a method of updating regularly, apply and update as necessary. You never know when "the window" for apps may close. Better to get your toe in the door early. Good Luck.

thanks fellas, appreciate it

I started three months prior to my terminal date. Not ideal, the sooner the better.

I started putting out apps about 7 months prior. I didn't get called until I got within 4 months of my availability by some airlines and within 2 months of my availability for others.
Admin prep work takes considerable time assuming you have moved as much as me. Lots of home/work addresses, supervisor numbers, and school addresses.
Flying prep will depend on how much you have done and what risk you are willing to take...more quals may mean being more competitive. ATP, type rating, and civilian licenses will require a bit of attention.
I recommend you go to something like AIR, Inc job fair classes. That may help you identify things to prepare.
New guy here...I definitely do not have all the answers.
Good luck

Not a blanket app drop. Depends on the airline. Depends on the market.

If you drop one on XYZ that is known to call military bubs and allow them to ride it out till they release X months later, that is the target date.

If the word is they are calling 6 months out for the average applicant, then that is your date for that company.

If they will call 30 days from time of app drop and they don't like to wait till DD214, then that company will need to wait till the end. This does skew your job search, but it doesn't need to define where you will end up. May drop one offer that you got early for a closer in offer that is more desirable for you. It is routine, military guys feel horrible like they are being disloyal. Afterall, the HR folks will have treated you well, but this is business. They drop you for there business needs, we drop them for our personal needs.
Not sure what the current attitude is for UAL, DAL, CO etc. Find out.

Cats and dogs, UPS, SWA, Fedex, etc, put in when the window is open. They understand your need to get in within a reasonable period.
Good luck!

Be honest with release dates, but include terminal leave, etc for earliest possible date. Can always revise moving in closer to the date.

While sitting in the FRS I have watched many of my buddies get out. I have seen everything from 1 yr to 3 months. The guy who did it 1yr out was the most relaxed as he got hired by SWA 9 months prior to his EAS. I decided to follow in his footsteps. My vote is to be ready to go at 1 yr out.

Are there any airlines who have a reputation on not being willing to give you a 6-12 month class deferal until you EAS?