[MENTION=119166]Hitch18[/MENTION] the Horizon part quoted above is something you should definitely understand and research so you make a fully informed decision. If you're starting soon also consider that it's more than possible that you get SFO or LAX instead of SEA. I don't know how that compares to the current Delta outlook for you. Where are you in the hiring pipeline?[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the reply and I've appreciated the information from yourself and the other posters. As a military guy looking from the outside in there is lot of details to understand especially when it comes to comminuting and I'm starting to wrap my head around it.

In terms of where I am at, I'm in the process of converting my Transport Canada ATPL into the FAA ATP. So far I have all steps complete except the CTP course which I'm taking in August. Literally the day that's done I will be applying to multiple carriers.

For my specific situation it looks like Delta is the best option as it has multiple non stop flights on the mainline to MSP on the 320. So 2 jump seats plus from what I understand at Delta you are able to book the jumpseat which would be ideal. Also I would try to bid the 320 out of MSP and fly the MSP to YYC legs myself and try to get a could extra nights at home.

United also has multiple mainline non stop flights to Denver. So that's plan B.

The information you're telling me about Alaska/ Horizon is a little surprising but if true it would be deal breaker. So that would probably stop me from applying at all to Alaska unfortunately.

So from what I'm tracking, Delta and United are the best since commuting on the mainline sounds way better for a few reasons. I initially thought SEA would be the best base simply because it's the shortest distance but I've learned it's not that simple haha.

Cheers and thanks again everyone for taking time to share your information.

just something to add about the horizon thing you can’t list as a commuter on horizon air but you can still non rev (commute) on qx. It’s just you’ll have lower priority than if it was skywest or alaska. The contract policy is have to have 2 flights any airline.

Skywest
 

But a QX flight operated by Skywest out of Canada can be commuted on??

QX is the airline code for horizon. A horizon flight will never be operated by skywest. Both those airlines do flying for Alaksa. You can always commute as in list as a non rev on horizon and any airline but on horizon you can’t list as a commuter aka you just have lower non rev priority.

the Alaksa commuter priority can be used n sky west flights operated for Alaksa and on alaska airlines flights

yes, any skywest flight that is being operated on behalf of alaska you can list as a commuter and get your commuter non rev priority. The D8Y commuter code is only for a seat in the back.

The jumpseat is first come first serve for alaska pilots on alaska branded flights.
On horizon a horizon pilot will have priority over the jumpseat over a alaska pilot and on skywest a skywest pilot has jumpseat priority over a alaska pilot

regardless if you list as a commuter or not the contract is you need to give yourself 2 flights on any airline to have the commuter clause protections

Commuter clause protections are not really “protections”.
If you need them more than “very occasionally”( chief pilots words) then you need to change your situation. IE.. drive, move etc. The requirement is to have 2 flights(opportunities)that will get you in position at your base prior to your report times. The flights need to operate far enough apart(chief pilots words) that if you are removed from one flight at door closure you still have the “opportunity” to make it to the other flight.
Get out of jail free card to be used once in a blue moon.
The commuter listing program. The ability to list as a D8Y on “ALL” flights controlled by Alaska Airlines that gives you priority above “ALL” other employees and non revs. That is the program that Alaska has opted to ignore leaving a gaping hole for registered commuters

Serious question from a new hire & registered commuter, what do you mean by the ignore and gaping hole?

You don't have commuter priority on OO and QX flights, and will below their employees as a nonrev.

Not quite. On flights “operated”by Skywest you list as a D8Y commuter and have priority over all other programs. On flights “operated” by Horizon you can’t. Period. You list as a non-rev at your longevity behind all Horizon employees and their pass riders etc. Our contract spells out very clearly the requirement. All Flights “controlled” by Alaska Airlines. That is defined by Alaska Airlines as Flights operated by Alaska Airlines inc, Skywest Airlines inc, and Horizon Air Industries.
So if you are a regular commuter from Denver or Dallas or Chicago and those flights are switched to being operated by Horizon your commuting privileges just got removed as Alaska will not honor our contract. That leaves a gaping hole in your plans.

Which section of the contract is this listed? I looked but couldn’t find it.

Got it, thanks for answering my question above. I'm commuting on Alaska metal, wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.