Originally Posted by
2GoodEngines
I’ve read the posts, I’ve watched the videos, I get it - commuting sucks! BUT......does it always suck? Is there anyone out there willing to share their experience of how it’s really not that bad for them? Sure, commuting half way across the country is probably a never win situation, but what about people who are one non-stop 90 minute flight away from their base? Can it actually be a livable long term arrangement in some cases, or will it always eventually burn you out and make you want quit and become a car salesman? (no offense to car salesmen). It’s obviously not ideal, but for some (i.e. me) it’s the only way they’ll be able to do the 121 thing, because moving may be completely off the table. Just looking for someone to say “it’s a bit of a pain, but it’s not that bad under the right circumstances”. If there’s no one that can say that, I guess my question is answered.
My commute is about two hours each way non stop. I've been doing it for 5 months now and it does start to wear you down a little. It hasn't been as bad as everyone makes it out to be from my experience. Try to get a base that has more than one airline operating to it. I have two different carrier options. Next look at the company you are interested in and see what the reserve call out periods are. Most commuter clauses are somewhere along the lines of you need at least two flights to get you in before the report time to be protected. If you can get a base that allows you to have multiple carriers that gets you two flights prior to reserve report times then you know you are at least protected if something doesn't go as planned.
Commuting during the holidays suck so it all comes down to the jumpseat. It also sucks if you finish a trip late and there are no more options to get home till the following day. If you go into it knowing it won't exactly be fun and that sometimes crap happens and you'll get stuck not getting home at the time you thought you would etc. then you'll be set.