Ok. I didn't know that you can't become a Captain at the base you applied at at EZY. How long do they demand you to work somewhere else?
You may request 3 bases in the command process and you can wait until a position is available before going through the command course, or they will offer you another base to get your command quicker. Most likely Gatwick or Luton. You can then join the base transfer list of your choice as soon as you enter the command process. Bristol is about a 4 year waiting list, Manchester about the same. All the base transfer lists are viewable so you can see where you are, however some people don't take a transfer when offered for whatever reason so you may move quicker than you think.
If you join easy in LGW, I’d imagine you’re fairly likely to be able to stay there. In a more regional/sought after base like BRS for example, it would be a lot harder to upgrade and remain in base. Hence the reason for DEC’s!
Entirely correct 737 Jockey. LGW and LTN are always short of skippers. A fair number of SFO's are in regional bases are declining a command so they can stay near their families. Once you enter the command process you are able to put your name onto the Captain transfer list at your base of choice and only accept a command once you reach the top of the list.