I'm not sure what that guy that posted above is thinking, but I've done PHX-DFW and ORD in my 4 years at Envoy. I would never commute earlier than the required time. As long as you list yourself for 2 flights that are scheduled to arrive before your show time, you're covered by the commuter policy if you don't make it on. There's no reason to head to the airport 10 hours before your show time.

Going home is a different story, I'll do pretty much anything to get home ASAP. Usually there's a seat or a jumpseat available. If not I look for 2 leg options that are a sure thing. I've never been stranded in DFW for the night not able to get home.

Commuting is a mind set. You can either live where you want and commute to Envoy for 7 years and end up home based at AA, or live somewhere less desirable (to me) and hope your base doesn't close. I'd much rather put up with commuting that have to move to DFW, but that's just me.

Not sure how PHX-CLT would work for you. I sure do wish we had SAP at Envoy, but personally, I would sign up for a transcon commute for it. Commuting from out west to the east is hard on the body. I'm not sure I'd want to make it any harder by adding an extra hour on the time change and an extra 2 hours on the flight.