"Talon1011, been through this thread and understand gateway, but just want to clarify that when you mention commuting you are referring to a company paid full fare ticket to your base, and not to jumpseating on your own dime. Thanks man."
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"Hmmm, I was under the impression that the commute was on days off regardless. So you are saying that if the trip does not start in base, you commute during your 17 on? Apologies if this was previously discussed."


Some Atlas pilots do jumpseat to work, if they want to. I only know a couple that do this. A good number of pilots drive to start their trips, and they are paid mileage (or the company pays for the one-way rental car).

When Atlas sends you via airline, it may be to your base, or it may not be. For example, most JFK trips do not start in JFK, so they will not airline you to JFK. Most HSV trips do start in HSV, so they will airline you to HSV. Most trips for both JFK and HSV do not end in either JFK or HSV, so you will be airlined to your gateway (or if doing alternate travel) to wherever you and the company have negotiated on.

My experience is I usually airline to the designated location on my last day off, before my pattern starts. I usually airline home either two days before, or one day before, my first day off. Occasionally, I will airline out two days before my pattern starts, or on the first day of my pattern. Very infrequently, I will get home on my first day off (or later)....thus getting home "late".