Commuting vs. Living in Base is the Jordan vs. LeBron conversation for pilots. We love to argue it into the ground, both sides are convinced they are right.

Commuting will cost you money compared to living in base, no doubt about it. Parking, crash pad/hotels as needed, lack of flexibility to grab a quick turn at premium pay, lost time getting to and from work. It will probably cost me $5-6k in both expenses and lost revenue as a first year FO. For me, it’s worth it.

My wife is active duty military, we will probably move 2-3 times over the next decade. Because I can commute, this affects me far less than somebody with a “normal” job.

I also don’t stress over loads. My commuter clause says 2 flights, at least 1 hour apart, the first one arriving 2 hours before show time and the second one arriving no less than 30 minutes before show time. That’s what I give myself. If I make it, great. If the first flight goes out full with a jump seater, oh well. I call the company and let them know.

The commuter lifestyle is definitely not for everyone. Some people do not have the personality for it. Do you like a regimented schedule? Do you find yourself getting anxious about what will happen if your first option doesn’t work out? Do your palms get sweaty thinking about having to call scheduling to tell them that you have to use the commuter clause because getting to work today just isn’t happening? Do you start thinking about your commute home on leg one, day one?

If the answer to those questions is “yes,” then you should probably move to your base. If you are comfortable with having some uncertainty and occasionally not making it into work or home on time doesn’t fill you with dread, then commuting will probably not be that bad.

Also Ford is better than Chevy, luggage works is better than strongbags, peanusts are better than pretzels, David Clark is better than Bose, leather jackets are awesome and peppered beef jerky is better than teriyaki beef jerky. And LeBron is better than Jordan.