correct. Finish at the same airport you started at, whether that be by plane or by ground deadhead (IE, if a JFK trip ends at LGA for some reason, you will get a ground DH / limo LGA-JFK automatically built into the pairing). The ground DH may be deviated into an alternate deadhead flight home if desired, which can be nice when it works out.

How long would it take for a direct entry captain to flow to delta?

Longer than 2 years for sure .

If you meet the qualifications for DEC, you are probably competitive at Delta

True, but can't get a call.

5-6 years.

Have you had an app review? Where are you at now? A touch and go at United, AA, JB, or Spirit might be just the trick

How much flying can a brand new F/O expect if they are living in a junior base? A lot of open time?

I averaged 30 hours a month on reserve out of training. Took 9 months of seniority to hold a line in the most junior base. You’ll fly around 70 hours a month with a line right now. Very little open time for FOs, or at least that was the case all summer.

hahaha very little flying and open time disappears as soon as it shows up - like FO Hunger Games here