True, United Hub to Hub can sometimes be tough, but there's also American (16 flights per day ORD to EWR between the two airlines- for a Tuesday I checked in January) and if you go out of MDW- Southwest to EWR.

Also truthful, only United flies nonstop to IAD and way fewer flights per day. However, I know of people who will sometimes commute into/out of DCA.

So like someone else said, to each their own. It has to be right for your situation.

CommutAir does allow you to take other airlines into account for your commute.

Like many places, there are great people here!

Personally, I'm commuting from the Midwest for a quick upgrade. I have at least 3 regionals I could've applied to driving distance from my house with no commute. However, I'd also be a First Officer for another 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 years. Due to 9/11, contract negotiations and airline bankruptcy- I already have 5 1/2 years 121 FO experience- I didn't want any more). Here, I got called for upgrade even before my FO IOE was scheduled (some are being called in ground school- timing varies).

You definitely have lots of options.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.