I'm hoping to get to DFW as quickly as possible. Appreciate the pros and cons of both airframes, and muddy picture of path to DFW base.

Currently I think 320 is quicker to dfw, though that could change tomorrow. 320 is fly by wire, rate command; I like rate command over g and aoa. Makes for a very easy flying aircraft. Some argue they are less fun, and I agree as it is very simple to fly; doesn't take much skill. There is much more room on the 320 and it has food trays. Side stick versus yoke. Quieter for the most part in the 320. There are some PVI things and fms things I like better on the 73; but not enough to overcome the ease of flying and comfort in the 320.

Bid both, take the one you get first. Not trying to be flippant; *where* you want to be is much more important than what you fly IMO. I've been on the S80, the A300, 72, 73, 75, 76, and 77 during my time here. They each had their charms and problems. The main flying difference is NB or WB if only because of the legs/duration of each and your personal preference. But since you're talking about two NBs, just take the one that gets you where you want to be quickest.

Couldn't agree more, however, the A320 cockpit is very nice n spacious compared to the 737

TQ nailed it. If you want DFW commuting to the 'better' airplane instead of taking the 'worse' airplane in DFW isn't worth it.

If you have a choice in DFW? Same seniority? Same quality of trips at the relative seniority you're bidding? I'd take the 320. Nice flying, easy to fly, better job. FMC on the 737 is better, the wing is better(altitude about 2000' higher than a 321 on the same route), wing is better in turbulence. But overall all the Airbus is a better job. Quiet, space, easy of use.

And don't forget the bus is full of surprises so it keeps things fresh. I hear guys with thousands and thousands of hours saying 'what's it doing?' Keeps the fun factor a little higher!

You don't see a lot of guys not paying attention on the AB.

It is definitely a plane you have to watch. Just when you think everything is 100% under control, it will do something crazy-just to make sure you are still watching.

Nah. It's just chess versus checkers. If you understand why it does what it does (and some of the reasoning DOES suck) and you stay a few moves ahead of what it's going to do, it's awesome. Totally predictable.

Brand new on the 320 (<50 hrs). Flew the old steam gauge 73 nearly 20 years ago, so I can't exactly direct-compare but I do have opinions on the flying characteristics. And fwiw, I'm coming off the 80, so I guess I'm a dinosaur at heart.

So far, I'm not wild about the 320, but then I haven't flown consistently in the two months I've been on it (vacation and luck on short call reserve) so I'm not particularly comfortable with it yet. Totally different "hand flying" machine and takes a bit of brainpower going between "managed" and "selected" and such.

Heard along the way that the 320 will make a bad pilot mediocre and it will make a good pilot mediocre; I used to consider myself a good pilot but I'm feeling quite mediocre now (hopefully I've regressed?). I'm sure once I get used to it I'll like it ok, but right now I'm kinda wishing I had bid the 73. I loved the 73, though admittedly it was my first jet.

More importantly, It's looking like the 320 will be a larger status in DFW and therefore probably offer more variety and opportunities. The cockpit is reasonably comfy and quiet. But, the bottom line is as others say: take whichever gets you to DFW first.

I think I would beg to differ sometimes on the Chesly arrival. I have seen it do some stupid stuff there.