EWR is tough to get to for a reservist. But what about the LAX or MIA outlier bases? IDK the frequency of exposure or the ease, or difficulty, of getting there for an early sign-in or after a late return.

PHL and CLT have no outlier bases.

 

What’s the best way for a commuter to get to any of the 3? Uber? Any reliable public trans?

 

FLL and PBI are very easy to get to if you are near MIA. Tri-rail starts right at MIA airport (at the rental car center), and has a FLL and PBI stop, with free shuttle service to the terminal buildings. When I was MIA based, I took it between FLL and MIA quite often. During the week, it runs about every 45 minutes or so, and costs about 5 bucks (runs about once an hour on weekends). Compared to LAX or LGA, it's extremely easy.

As for NY, getting between LGA and JFK isn't too difficult, but getting to EWR is ridiculous. Personally, I think EWR should be considered an outstation, and not part of the NY base.

I know absolutely nothing about LAX.

 

Boogerface - I agree about Tri-rail. I just don’t know if works for early or late shows. Years ago it didn’t. I don’t know if the AM/PM hours have been extended.

 

I used to fly trips out of IAD on the 320 when I was based in DCA. Never saw a BWI trip though, although I suppose it's possible on the 737.

 

Weekdays, the first train arrives at the MIA airport station around 05:30 (07:50 on the weekends/holidays). The last train leaves the airport at 21:40 both weekdays and weekends/holidays.

Lyft to FLL was $36 last Saturday afternoon (from mid beach, not the airport, but I'd guess the price would be pretty close).

 

Easiest Uber/Lyft, about $70-75 minimum. There are services (ETS, NYC Airporter....) that run between $25-45 one way depending on which one and they take about 2.5 hrs (I’ve used and made it quicker, but wouldn’t guarantee). Public transportation exist and I’m sure it’s cheaper, but Ive never used so I’m not sure about that one.

 

A crash pad would be near MIA. What about the Tri-Rail going to FLL/PBS?

Cab was about $100 EWR-LGA a decade ago in heavy traffic.

 

JFK - EWR. Airtrain to Jamaica station, LIRR to Penn station, train to EWR.

Old recommendation. 1+30? $40?

Not sure of the train hours. The early EWR sign in was a bear for the guys with JFK crash pads.

 

My pad is on the beach, but you are right, most of them are closer to the airport. The earliest train from MIA airport would get you to the FLL airport station at 04:50 on weekdays, 06:00 on weekends/holidays. Add 30 minutes or so for the bus to the terminal. For PBI, add about an hour.

Couple of months ago, a Lyft from EWR to LGA was just under $100. I've seen it anywhere from $65 to $115. Depending on day of the week, and time of day. Just about every time I compared the prices, Lyft has been less than Uber, both in LGA and MIA.

When I left LGA the 73 had some 04:00 check in's at EWR. I'd usually go over the night before, and buy a hotel close to the airport, around $90 OTD.

There is a van for the flight attendants from LGA to EWR, I think one at 03:30, and 04:30, if there is room, they will let you ride along.