HeadInTheTops

Hey! I'm excited to be joining US later this month! But...I kinda feel I'll be shooting in the dark on the initial base/equip. bid.

As a west coast resident, PHX would seem to be a no-brainer, for the easy commute. But then again...the East has much more movement, which would lead to line-holding much sooner, or at least long-call holder sooner, I assume.

And, to top it off, I have pretty much zero idea what kinds of flying each side does! I'm planning on the 320 (I should be pretty senior in the age ranking, so I'm assuming I can pick type).

Can someone characterize the flying East vs West, generally, and give me a perspective-check on whether I'd be a complete retar...er...dummy to even consider choosing a transcon commute over a couple hour commute?
Any estimate on how long to hold long-call in the west?

Thanks for any advice. The industry gouge on the forums has been VITAL in my advancement, so it's all appreciated!

CamYZ125

If I lived on the west coast, I'd bid PHX. The flying is similar, as you'll eventually fly throughout the system no matter whether you're east or west based. I guess at this time the PHX based guys aren't doing island flying from the east coast, but they do some mexico/central america stuff from PHX I believe.

I have no idea about time-to-hold long call for PHX. I think so far there have only been 20-30 people hired to PHX in the recent months, and it all depends on whether they need to keep adding to the base or not. You're right, it might take longer to hold it in PHX than the east, but I probably wouldn't want the stress of sitting long call from the opposite coast while on my probationary year anyway.

FreighterGuyNow

Even at 12 hours sitting long call on the West coast will be difficult - especially on probation!

You'll have a block much sooner out East with a joint bid maybe by the end of 2015 it'll go by quick.

PRS Guitars

I've met five transcontinental commuters in my short time here and they seem to make it work. With that said, I'd go for PHX as long as you don't mind being on reserve for awhile.

If you do go east coast, why not just bid the 190? You'll have a better schedule, then you can jump ship at the one year point for the better AB pay. If it's movement you want, the 190 is the place to be. I hit the line in late march, and will likely have a secondary line in July, primary soon after.

I'm new to the industry, but I enjoy the 190 flying so far. Shorter legs equals less boredom to me right now.

Monkey Wrench

Having done the transcontinental commute for several years, I would not recommend it unless you are forced. You will lose at least a day at home per round trip.

There is no need to chase equipment or flying, it will come to you before you know it. At least half of those in your indoc class won't have a choice anyway.

flyinawa

Wow. No Eastie - Westie poop throwing yet. That's a pleasant surprise. West is pretty stagnant but if I was commuting to reserve, that would be my choice. I don't know how long you'd be on 320 RSV on the East but if it's around a year, you (probably) wouldn't have to wait much longer for an integrated list. If being a line holder better meets your QOL needs, the commute East to fly the 190 could be worth it.

Unsolicited advice: Avoid getting drawn into the East/West grudge match.
Bottom line: You're arriving here at the start of a big wave. Congratulations and welcome aboard.

The Drizzle

Amen, though they'll sure try.

HeadInTheTops

Great responses, guys, thanks.

Why do you say that, FreighterGuy? I was thinking I could safely (I'm very conservative about this stuff) sit at home with a 2hr flight and 9-10 flights/day, realizing that there is a possibility of awkwardness if I got a min. call out in the evening in advance of the next day's flying, depending on flights remaining in the evening. I'm sure I'd have to position myself occasionally, but was thinking I could stick at home for LC, many times. My current company has multiple bases, and theoretically has long call, but they've never built any lines, so it's new to me.

As far as the 190, I've been doing regional flying for 15yrs. I'm done flying short legs for a bit.
I'm so ready to sit in indoc. and listen to "Welcome aboard!" 30-70 times, you have no idea!

~Tops

shinyjetsyndrom

Hi Tops. Having no transcon commuting experience at all, I would highly recommend bidding the PHX base so us junior folk can have the east bases.... I mean ahh bid phx for the following reasons:
1. Shorter commute
2. More pay
3. Cheaper insurance
4. Cheaper crashpads. Heck you could buy a place in phx.
5. Possibility of overnights in your home city.
6. 72 v*^%#%s are awarded to you along with the phx base.

As you can see phx has endless benefits and you should certainly go there.

Regards

SJS

meyers9163

I'm going to laugh when you meet the shuttle in DC going BOS-DCA etc.... The 190 is by no means an "RJ". It's actually funny how people give up QOL just to fly a bigger plane and subsequently make less money...

Also unsure how, if any, new hires in PHX are holding long call.... I'd be surprised to learn they are to be honest..... Best of luck and welcome.....