aviator35,
While I can't answer all your specific questions, I'd say that generally you're competitive in today's hiring environment. Apply to every US airline you're even remotely interested in, take the first offer you get and fine tune your career options/moves from that point.
Get your applications professionally reviewed; money well spent. There are a number of interview prep companies. I have no experience with any of them. Check APC or jet careers for recommendations from people who've used them. Again, money well spent.
When it comes to picking an employer, I wouldn't get too concerned about the labor contracts of one airline vs another. In general terms, the labor contracts of the Big Six, i.e., AA, DL, UA, SW, UPS, FedEx, are all within the very acceptable range. At the LCC level, they aren't as good as the Big Six but may very well suit you just fine. The ACMI carriers are a tough way to earn a living but there is money to be made if you can live with the lifestyle. The regionals ? Ummm, well, they're regionals.
If you don't care where you'd be based, that eliminates an issue many people have. But looking at what bases each airline has can be a big lifestyle factor. Don't commute !
Go for it !!! And do it ASAP so you don't miss the wave.
Last edited by bafanguy; 5th April 2022 at 21:34.