Trans States - Richmond vs. STL

[andym037]

I am contemplating transferring my domicile from STL to RIC. My seniority is such that I could hold a decent line in RIC (decent that is by RIC standards), as opposed to reserve in STL (and it appears I won't be off reserve anytime soon). I commute from PA (ABE, EWR, PHL) and I was just wondering what some people based in RIC presently had to say about this, especially those who commute. How commutable is RIC? How commutable are the lines? Any advice/comments/perspectives/insights would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[CaptainChris77]

I am not with TSA, but I do live in Richmond and work with another airline. As far as commuting in/out of RIC based on my experience it is a very easy airport to jumpseat in/out of. PIT/LGA are usually open on USAirways, Delta has a couple from LGA, and EWR is always WIDE open operated by XJT. Good luck with your decision!

 

[waterski]

Try tsalounge.com

 

[JumpCaptain]

Sneakers-

I commute to RIC. It is diffidently a harder commute than STL, and unfortunatly the lines are less commutable, but I suppose any line would be better than reserve.

It doesn't have quite the "airline feel" that the flying in STL has since we are an outstation base. Also, no American flying and thus no American benefits and we don't fly to all the nice destinations that you guys in STL fly to.

I guess it depends on what you want. The captains are really cool out here; lots of conservative Virginians.

If you think a line is in your future, I would sit tight because the lines in STL are a lot nicer from what I have seen. The guys over here with bids to get back to STL were told it would happen next month, so things will probably start moving out there in a month or two.

Either way, good luck.

-The Captain

 

[Thedude]

Sneakers-

It doesn't have quite the "airline feel" that the flying in STL has since we are an outstation base.
-The Captain

WTF is airline feel??!! The squishy feeling in my shorts at the end of a long day??!!

And STL SUCKS

 

[BYUFlyr]

Also, no American flying and thus no American benefits ....

Are the American benefits worth STL? What are they? It's an honest question, I just got hired and planning to relocate to RIC with wife and baby.

 

[purduej]

American benefits suck, they're only buddy passes on Trans States operated American Connection flights. On the otherhand, you can give them to anyone. The bigger benefit is you get more San Antonio flying (at least this was the case when I left a few months ago) and some good American overnights (I lied, only one really good one, Philly).

For the commute it'll probably be easier to commute to STL. Lots of direct flights from EWR, JFK, LGA, PHL, ABE, etc. Of course, you'll still be in STL (suck!)

Or, just jump ship like everybody else did about 6 months ago. Nobody is regretting it!

 

[BYUFlyr]

American benefits suck, they're only buddy passes on Trans States operated American Connection flights. On the otherhand, you can give them to anyone. The bigger benefit is you get more San Antonio flying (at least this was the case when I left a few months ago) and some good American overnights (I lied, only one really good one, Philly).

For the commute it'll probably be easier to commute to STL. Lots of direct flights from EWR, JFK, LGA, PHL, ABE, etc. Of course, you'll still be in STL (suck!)

Or, just jump ship like everybody else did about 6 months ago. Nobody is regretting it!

Thanks for the clarification... I think I can do without the American benefits and move to RIC (no commute).

 

[temcgrew]

Or, just jump ship like everybody else did about 6 months ago. Nobody is regretting it!

Aint that the truth!!! No need for polls on that one! 100% of pilots who left TSA 6 months ago are now happier and better off!

 

[andym037]

Yeah, I think I could live without the American benefits... they aren't much good anyway. And as for leaving outright... I have resumes in at other companies. However, there is no telling how long it will take for the interview calls to come (if they do), and in the meantime I only wish to give myself the best quality of life possible. I'd much rather have a line in STL (despite what a horrid, miserable, and utterly detestable town it is) but reserve kinda sucks. On the other hand, if guys start coming back here from RIC, that may work in my favor. I value all the input. If anyone else has any info I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[rjacobs]

Quality of life and TSA should not be uttered in the same sentence, ever. Sort of like the good old statement from Frank.

p.s. Frank was right.

 

[stooge]

Or, just jump ship like everybody else did about 6 months ago. Nobody is regretting it!

Do not move to a TSA base, instead of looking for a new place to live, look for a new airline. Just go down to the crew room and look at the seniority list. You will notice that all of last year's new hire classes of 15 -20 now only have 2 or 3 people left. There is a reason for that. Get out now while you still can.

 

[Foxcow]

Do not move to a TSA base, instead of looking for a new place to live, look for a new airline. Just go down to the crew room and look at the seniority list. You will notice that all of last year's new hire classes of 15 -20 now only have 2 or 3 people left. There is a reason for that. Get out now while you still can.

Amen to that



P.S. Deport Hulas/**** Ramos

 

[andym037]

Do not move to a TSA base, instead of looking for a new place to live, look for a new airline. Just go down to the crew room and look at the seniority list. You will notice that all of last year's new hire classes of 15 -20 now only have 2 or 3 people left. There is a reason for that. Get out now while you still can.

I could not agree more. I already have applications in at other regionals. But until they call (could possibly be a while) I just wish to make things as bearable as possible for myself until I can leave.

 

[great cornholio]

RIC lines suck and are pretty much not commutable. Usually show early on day 1 and end up back in RIC late on day 4 so you have to commute in the day before and commute out the next day. So you will lose a lot of days off to the commute. Also movement might be fast because of the upgrades. But then again you could get furloughed if they decided to do that whole downgrade and furlough thing again.

 

[shindler]

Frank Was Indeed Right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Foxcow]

RIC lines suck and are pretty much not commutable. Usually show early on day 1 and end up back in RIC late on day 4 so you have to commute in the day before and commute out the next day. So you will lose a lot of days off to the commute. Also movement might be fast because of the upgrades. But then again you could get furloughed if they decided to do that whole downgrade and furlough thing again.

Not to mention no commuter clause.