Commuting

[FlyChicaga]

From those with lots of experience doing so, what are some good tips for being a commuting pilot? I know, I know... the best tip is "don't commute!" But for those that do, what advice could you offer to those just starting to get into this commuting/crashpad thing? Anything you've learned in your months or years commuting that might help others? What about life in a crashpad... things that could help make it better?

 

[JetMonkey]

The secret to good commuting is simple: Always give yourself enough time. And save those sick calls just in case!!

 

[Stifler's Mom]

Make sure the crashpad has plenty of good porn.

 

[FlyChicaga]

Make sure the crashpad has plenty of good porn.

I'm lucky! Tivo for porn, and HDTV for the playoffs! On this like 50" wide-screen too. Yeah, I'm upset about not flying... ha!

 

[Steve 737]

Commute to a base on-line if possible .... the off-line commute is much more stressful.

 

[UM#1]

FlyChicaga you get a new job?

 

[FlyChicaga]

Yeah, XJT.

 

[English]

Get a girlfriend that has travel benefits on another airline. That way, you can sweet talk her into making you a registered companion, thus doubling your travel options. Always better to be a priority level higher than a jumpseater when trying to get to work.


Allow two backup flights. Always check the weather and loads the night before your planned commute. Eventually you'll be able to guess when you'll have to fly out early, and when you won't.


I commute to HNL and never have any problems. That should give you some hope.

 

[Clyde]

The best commute is the one you do in your own car. Seriously, unless you absoulutely must live away, it is best to live where you are domiciled. I wasn't crazy about moving when I got hired here, but fortunately it turned out to be a very nice place to reloctate to and live in. While other guys complain about how it took them all day just to commute in early, I complain that the drive took 30 minutes instead of 20 because of the traffic. There isn't anywhere that I have to live that is worth the pain of commuting.

But, if commuting is your only option, as stated before try and jumpseat on your own carrier.

 

[JohnQ]

As one who commuted for awhile, now does not, but flies with many who do, here is my advice:


- Don't commute if you reasonably cannot--as posted ad nauseam

- If you have determined that you will commute for the foreseeable future--accept that you are a commuter and the added time away that that entails. Those who are the happiest commuters are NOT the guys (and I was one of them) who always bid commutable trips, waking up at 4 am so that they can take the 6am flight (which of course is their backup flight), arriving at domicile at 730-8am for a 1500 signin. Don't be a "last flight chaser" either, in which you are hoping for a 15 minute early arrival so that you can race to the gate (asking the other guy to please take your flight kit to the pilot lounge) and just make the last 1030pm flight to get you to your home city at midnight and your home at 0130.

- Those who are the happiest commuters don't race for airplanes, sweat early arrivals, or obsess about 0400 wakeups to make the 0600 flight--they are the guys who if they have a 0700 sign in, commute the day prior, accept the fact that they will be gone from home a bit more, and enjoy a nice evening in their crashpad or airport hotel, reading the paper or getting a good workout in. Similarly, they may indeed make it home the same day as their last work day--but if they do not, they just get a good nights' sleep at aforementioned crashpad/hotel and leisurely go home the next day.

ALL of the above requires an understanding spouse for the married pilots, but I can assure you it is worth it in peace of mind and lack of stress.

I would say that if your home life dictates that you MUST do same-day commutes on both halves of your trips, then you should not commute.

 

[Lolikoka]

Wish'd I had a crashpad

I had to commute for about 18 months, but with a wife and 2 children on regional pay, I was too poor for a crashpad. A bunch of us newbies slept in the crew lounge sleep room. We had a shower, and kept sheets and towels in suitcases there. I know a guy at UAL who slept in the crew lounge, but paid 6 bucks to get in the gym at the airport hotel and took showers there. You do what you have to do I guess, but I won't commute again; moving the family to ATL.
Good luck.