krudawg

For the first time in 29 years I will be "commuter Pilot" I'll be commuting to Reserve from PHX to SFO. I am asking for helpful tips from long-time commuters - "Tips of the trade". I would like to avoid a crash pad, if possible. Thanks in advance for your help.

coopervane

Well, first things first......get a crashpad.

Rickce7

Without knowing your seniority or how you fall out in the base bid, it's hard to give good gouge. The effects of commuting fall out differently from the top to bottom of a bid. I know some pilots in JFK that have commuted without a crash pad for the past 5 years only because they are able to bid commutable trips every month. For the vast majority, this is a pipe dream and need a crash pad. PHX to SFO seems like a pretty easy commute so you might be able to bid commutable trips and avoid one. Your life is going to change though as you lose some sleep the night before your commute, not knowing if you're going to make your commute flight or not. . . Driving to work and commuting are two different jobs. I tell my friends that my commute is my part-time job and I'm also an airline pilot.

PotatoChip

He said he is commuting to reserve. Not a line, let alone a commutable one.
What type of reserve? What's your callout period? If you have a 12 hour call out, sure I can see how you would stay in PHX. But a 2 hour? Not a chance.
Need more info.

As far as tips, understand your company's commuter clause (if there is one) and use it to your advantage.

OCCP

It's s busy commute, plenty of pilots and fa's from various airlines going to/from work. SFO gets gdp's which can wreck your commute and I've seen people commute into oak and take the Bart. I've been on a commute that couldn't land in SFO and diverted to sjc. I would describe it as an unpredictable commute, give yourself several flights to get there.

Hotels in SFO are pricey and seem to be slowly creeping up. If you're on reserve you'll need a crash pad. Good luck.

Flyin1500

You are now commuting to the worst airports for delays. You have choices to make things easier. You can hotel it while on reserve $$$$ and good luck trying to find a hotel when one of them furby conventions is going on. Or you can suck it up and do a crash pad. I've been based there for almost 7 years now and am thankful I have a crashpad. They are not for everyone...and they are all different. If you find one you like then bonus!! Northpark Apts has a double fistful of crashpads there. Transportation to the airport is easy. $2 on samtrans or walk across the 101 bridge and take the crown shuttle $1 tip (don't stiff the guy).

When you get a line bid for early shows. Yes, I know you are losing a day, but you are there and ready to go so you can save some *cough* sick time.

When SFO goes down you still have options. Go into OAK and take the BART train over (about 12$). Give yourself 2 hours. Or go into SJC and take the Caltrain (there is a shuttle that runs from the airport to the station...also right around $12 bux) Not sure of the time frame on that from SJC to SFO but I imagine 2 hours would be close.

I've heard you can also take the Monterey Airporter from SJC to SFO.
831-373-7777 I've heard it's around $15 bucks with your airline discount and would get you there even quicker than the Caltrain.

Thats all I can think of . All I can say is make it easy on yourself, give yourself time and options to get where you need to go and 'grats on the upgrade!

Cheers!

HB

AKpilot

I agree with flying1500!! If you can't commute same day on both ends which is a luxury. Preference an early show and commute the day before. It's less stressful. Be very nice and introduce yourself to the whole crew. Show up early to gate and be nice to agents. Treats and chocolate are always nice. If you are at the gate when the pilots show up try to meet them. Some airlines require listing before you show up. AA and WN and maybe others. Get Flight track app for your phone. Have a plan B and back up plan C.

If you ever have to bump someone because you have a higher priority, tell them face to face and apologize. Do it sooner than later so the bumpee can execute their plan B. I was bumped from a DL j/s once by young connection guy. He was standing 5 feet from me talking on the phone for 20 minutes then boarded. The agent told me that he bumped me and he knew it. I have no issues with the priority system, I just think it's effen rude not to let someone know as soon as possible.

When you are the working pilot do your very best to accommodate all commuters. Find room for their bags , get them a drink. If you meet them early let them know there will be a seat for them somewhere on the plane. Tell the agent "Please don't leave anyone behind and fill every seat" I try to make time to check gate area when boarding is almost done to make sure the agent is not denying a j/S or NRs for lack of time. This all enhances my own J/S and commuter karma. Things I love to hear.... "I commuted / Jumpseated on xyz airline ( and my own airline) and they treated me very well, they are really nice there" etc.

Commuting is stressful ,try to make it less stressful for others. What goes around comes around. Good luck!

Std Deviation

I always commute with a bag of those little Hershey miniature chocolates (assorted) to dole out to gate agents and FAs. A $5 bag of treats pays heavy dividends- like being waved up to board first instead of after the platinum, gold, silver, tin, lead, copper, followed by groups 2 through 9. Lately, Blue Chips (B6) have been quite popular (and often leads to a first class meal). Embarrassing operational note - I once brought a big bag of Combos for a Spirit crew, only to discover they sell those on the plane. Doh!

Std Deviation

This^^^^. Happened to me too. Guy stood there playing slap tickle with a group of FAs, right up until the end of boarding then walked over to tell me he was taking the jumpseat. We both worked for same company. I had been standing there for a hour. I had no idea that he was going after it - assumed he was just socializing. I kept trying to ask but couldn't get a word in edgewise. Poor professional courtesy.

jarretk

If going to sfo fails you can go to LAX as a last resort. There are 50 or so flights a day from LAX-SFO with practically every carrier. With AA you have to call IflyAA, or go through your companies intranet and find a log on to myidtravel.