Fastest path to DFW
 

Getting DFW right off the bat seems highly unlikely. I can’t relocate, so I’ll be commuting until I can hold DFW. What equipment/base combo gives me the best shot at getting back to DFW the fastest? Also, is reserve life easily commutable?

Base doesn't matter other than picking one thats an easy commute. Just choose the equipment you want. 73 is more junior so you'll get to DFW faster on the 73 and I think all bases except PHL have it

737 usually will be faster but not guaranteed.
This last vacancy bid ended up where early 2025 classes missed DFW on the 737 and 320, and they will probably both hold them for the first vacancy bid next year, these are the early 2025 classes. Doesn’t mean anything going forward, but that’s a recent data point.

I would plan on a year for either 737 or 320 DFW.

No specific base will get you back to DFW faster, you either can hold DFW or you can’t.

Nothing about commuting to reserve is “easy” anything. Commuting to reserve sucks, plain and simple. DFW jumpseat listing policy is helpful to ease some pain, you can reserve 8 days out, but you’re still commuting to reserve.

Thanks. Yeah i understand base doesnt matter. Commuting sucks per usual but if i can hold LCR out of say LAX i probably can make it work from DFW albiet kinda sketchy it seems. Idk which has got the easiest commute. I havent commuted in quite a long time lol. Not looking forward to it.

LAX has the most flights to and from

But it will take you a while to even hold LCR in LAX, base is not growing and LCR isn’t going junior there. LAX is also redeye central so keep that in mind, and the majority of LAX trips finish in the evening, making the commute home difficult without needing to take a red eye commute home. And LAX you’re responsible to cover surrounding airports. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, just letting you know how it is.

I would suggest Chicago over LAX if offered.

Ahhh ok. Yeah real world answers like that is what im looking for..it aint debbie downer lol. Chicago would be good. Probably better option than anything on the east coast. Havent seen ORD on any class drops though, so ideal but not likely to get is my guess.

Drops can be all over; bank on being LGA or MIA for a year, then getting DFW in 2 yrs or less. If it works out better, sweet, if not, its real world expectations like you said. Either way, it's small potatoes, and you'll be in DFW soon enough. Congrats and welcome to the fAAmily.

Do you have a class soon? ORD might be a good option. The last vacancy resulted in about 40-50 more captains than FOs…on the 737. I’d imagine they start filling the gap with new hires. Tons of flights between DFW and ORD…crashpads right off the blue line.

Nothing about commuting, especially reserve, is easy. 737 will be more junior, so get that and the most undesirable base. This will allow you to get long call and proffer for commutable trips. Until we start hiring again, it will be tough sledding. It took my buddy over a year after training to get dfw.

737 either LAX or PHX . Probably hold a line or LC in LAX immediately