Commuting? From someone who know nothing

[Checks]

Hello,

Thanks for clicking through. I am thinking of applying to some major airlines that would require me to commute from Ohio to Chicago. About an hour flight with lots of direct airline service thoughout the day. I could also drive in about 6 hours.

Would commuting this far even be worth it long term? I do have other aviation opportunities closer to home that would not require commuting. I'm I wrong to assume I would lose a 1/2 day prior to each trip and possibly a 1/2 day after each trip. 3-4 trips per month which turn into an extra 4 days not at home. This assumes the weather isnt all jacked up..it is the midwest.

I realize you guys/gals cant completely answer this question for me but I would be very interested in your thoughts on this type of commute. I am married and not moving for at least a few years.

This also assumes I would even get hired ( I have no illusions)

Thanks!

 

[General Lee]

Hello,

Thanks for clicking through. I am thinking of applying to some major airlines that would require me to commute from Ohio to Chicago. About an hour flight with lots of direct airline service thoughout the day. I could also drive in about 6 hours.

Would commuting this far even be worth it long term? I do have other aviation opportunities closer to home that would not require commuting. I'm I wrong to assume I would lose a 1/2 day prior to each trip and possibly a 1/2 day after each trip. 3-4 trips per month which turn into an extra 4 days not at home. This assumes the weather isnt all jacked up..it is the midwest.

I realize you guys/gals cant completely answer this question for me but I would be very interested in your thoughts on this type of commute. I am married and not moving for at least a few years.

This also assumes I would even get hired ( I have no illusions)

Thanks!

Usually you would get priority on your own airline. If you flew for UAL or AA and was based in ORD, you probably could get a jumpseat a few days prior and at least know you have a seat. If you go on another airline other than your own, you have to hope you get to the gate first and there aren't others waiting there from that particular airline that would have rights to that jumpseat on their airline. If you get there first before others that aren't employed there, then you probably will get to ask the Captain for it first. But, if the airline has Regional airlines flying for them, they get priority first, even if you got to the gate first. If you could jump on your own airline, that would help and make your life much easier.


Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[waveflyer]

A whole lot commute.
I've taken the advice of my mentors. Don't commute. It's a different career living in base.
So I've treated it like a suit job.

 

[FurloughedAgain]

If only it were that easy. Those who have been in the business long enough will experience furloughs, bankruptcies, base closures...All of which would necessitate a move if you insist upon living in base. Some pilots are divorced and commute so they can live where they can see their kids more frequently. Some have spouses who work and whose careers are not as portable. Some simply can't afford to live in domicile. And some have watched bases closes so many times they got tired of chasing them.

If you can live in base great, but if not there is a large community of commuters that try to help each other out. Best thing you can do is take a walk up the jetway before push, make sure no Jumpseaters are trying to get on and getting the stiff arm from the gate agent. If they are, help them out, they're just trying to get home or to work.

 

[freightdogfred]

If only it were that easy. Those who have been in the business long enough will experience furloughs, bankruptcies, base closures...All of which would necessitate a move if you insist upon living in base. Some pilots are divorced and commute so they can live where they can see their kids more frequently. Some have spouses who work and whose careers are not as portable. Some simply can't afford to live in domicile. And some have watched bases closes so many times they got tired of chasing them.

If you can live in base great, but if not there is a large community of commuters that try to help each other out. Best thing you can do is take a walk up the jetway before push, make sure no Jumpseaters are trying to get on and getting the stiff arm from the gate agent. If they are, help them out, they're just trying to get home or to work.

Right on. I wouldn't move across the street for an airline, but perhaps i'm a bit jaded. If you commute, you'll lose 2-3 days a month doing so. The choice is yours.

 

[Checks]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the information

 

[Ticker]

I wouldn't move across the street for an airline...

Amen to that!

 

[cbrown1]

Commuting sucks and honestly if you're gonna commute might as well not take the job. This job isn't worth it to commute, i'd rather have an 9-5 office job.

 

[Andy]

Disparaging remarks about Ohio aside, are you close to Louisville, KY? If so, you should probably be thinking brown in terms of career plans. That's one hub I don't think will move any time soon.

The alternative is to pick an airline with a hub where you want to live.

There are two types of commutes (I've done both): Those that suck and those that REALLY suck. The one you describe only sucks.

 

[Russ]

The only tactical advice I can provide is get to the gate early. I do a relatively easy commute that has a lot of commuters. I show up to the gate at least an hour early if the loads aren't promising. After I sign up for the JS, I watch others filter in, some within minutes of closing out the flight all expecting to get the JS.