dockfam , is your husband willing to connect somewhere, or does he only want nonstops? From SMF, AS and WN are the only carriers with nonstops to both SEA and PDX. DL flies nonstop to SEA, where a connection could be made to PDX. UA would require a connection to either destination via SFO.

Will your husband be flying Coach or First Class?

Flights on Alaska can be credited to American based on a percentage of miles flown; AS flights (currently) do not credit to American based on cost.

Attaining elite status with either AA or AS gets some benefits with the other carrier beyond what the oneworld alliance requires.