Originally Posted by
Flying
Great info in this thread...thanks! So it sounds like the consensus is that NYC ER works best to optimize seniority, and therefore QOL, for a commuter? Since you're recommending NYC for a RDU commuter, is it safe to say you would also recommend that to someone commuting from the middle of the country (like MCI)? It sounds like the cost-of-living/triple airport coverage/climate all wouldn't matter as much to a commuter as someone living in-base. We have no direct flights into JFK from here, only off-line flights into LGA and EWR. With all of the ground transportation options mentioned in "Latest and Greatest," would you all still recommend the NYC commute?
Tough call. Delta's commuting policy is that you have to have 2 flights separated by at least 2 hours that will get you there a reasonable time before your check in, and which indicate actual availability (or on which you have reserved the jump seat) within 24 hours or scheduled departure. Only you can assess the options and decide how commutable it is for you based on your comfort level. I spent a good month before indoc looking at the loads on various single- and multi-leg routes both on- and off-line before deciding it was doable for me.
Not having any company flights is going to sting you a bit, though. You always know the seat situation on Delta, whereas you'll have to rely on available seat displays on the other carriers' customer websites, which may not accurately reflect actual sales, if it's even available. (Other option is to call reservations and bug them.) The biggest drawback is not having the ability to book the jumpseat, which is a huge stress-reliever in the commute.
In order to stand long call from home, you need lots of daily flights to rely on to get you there. If not, plan on a crash pad, and if you're going to do that, ATL might be a better bet if there is better DL service into there (and mainline, not RJ's).