Originally Posted by
Viperstick
Looking for some feedback from folks who've been there, done that. I just retired from the USAF & was fortunate enough to be hired by United last fall. We've decided to move closer to family, but haven't settled on a location yet.
All through training, I heard "live in your domicile" and while that would greatly simplify life, none of the domiciles jazz me or my wife for the long term. We both like the Nashville area, but everything is RJ out of there.
Currently reserve on the Bus in EWR, but considering a lateral to IAH or maybe ORD in the fall. Here are some random thoughts I've had on the subject of commuting vs. living in domicile:
- Will the SkyWest purchase of larger RJs make commuting easier (i.e. less chances of being weight restricted)?
- Commuting while on reserve definitely blows, but once I'm a line holder & can trade/drop for QOL, will that make commuting less odious?
- If SWA opens a domicile in BNA (I just heard rumors), will that make getting in and out of BNA easier or harder?
- I've heard the percentage of guys living in domicile vs. commuting is 40/60--true? For those who commute, why do you choose not to live in your domicile?
- For those who commute on RJs, what other pitfalls are there? I know SkyWest pilots get first crack at the jumpseats, but what else?
Appreciate the feedback.
Viper stick,
I'm retired military and have commuted for United for 7 months before my furlough, and SWA for 1.5 Years, a total of 2.5 MISERABLE years commuting.
Moved to SWA domicile a year ago and life is AWESOME. SO much easier, no stress, WAAY more time off AND way more money. Move to where you can drive to work and have a life with no stress or commute and be miserable. Your choice.
Were you able to be happy wherever the military moved you to during your career? Treat it the same with the airlines. Except you have a choice of 10 cities to choose from.
If your wife makes big bucks maybe I can see commuting to let her have her career in the city where her job is. If not, and like most guys wives she just wants to be near family, tell her she can "commute" for free to visit family anytime she wants and that you as the primary breadwinner of the family are going to drive to work not commute and waste 50 days + a year, every year, commuting and being stressed out and disappointed and wondering what you're doing with all your free time. You WILL spend at least 1/4 to 1/3 of your available free time commuting vs what a person in domicile has for free time. Think hard, choose carefully. Best wishes. Just one mans opinion, but having done both THERE IS NO COMPARISON.