When I commuted for Comair to JFK or DTW, it was a 1-legger from MCO. Lots of fairly full flights, so it had the potential of going bad often. Got fairly lucky most of the time. I was senior enough to bid schedules that allowed same-day commuting on both ends...that was the key!! Once on a while, I'd have to go up the night before & fight for a lounger or spot on a couch. That sucked!
I'm REALLY enjoying my :15 positive space commute to my current gig!!