gobnu

Looking for input for preferable some older airline folks that have a family and still on their first wives.

I've always been a commuter, ,but finally looking to move soon. Have 1 baby girl so far.

Would I be better off:

A) Living in base and driving to work? (High cost of living and 4-hour drive to visit extended family)

or

B) Living close to family so my wife has more help/friends/etc? (Lower cost of living, but I would have to drive 4 hours or fly 1 leg to base)

I'd hate to give up the dream of being home more than a few nights per week, but my wife would really like to be closer to family.

Comparison is Iowa (CID, DSM, or ALO) vs. Chicago area.

Tough call. Any suggestions/experiences?

Thanks!

CheapTrick

I voted for in base because I just finished 2 years of commuting and it sucked. It was easy and it still sucked. But to be honest I split the last 23 half and half. I've commuted by choice and by displacement. Being by family is really great. Driving to work is really great. Move your entire family to your base!

Parker Woodruff

I'd choose the airline that's closest to home for me or provides the easiest commute. The DFW area is so nice for this. Lots of DFW hubs and if you do have to commute, their are a lot of ways to get where you're going.

Douglas9

Happy wife happy life!

johnso29

I have been in the airline business for a short 9 years. I have commuted the entire time. One reason was so that I never became comfortable at the regional I was working for. The commute motivated me to get the fark out ASAP. Now that I'm settled in what I hope is my last airline, I still commute. I do it for my wife, kids, parents, and BIL/SIL. I'll always be on the road. That comes with the job. By commuting my wife and kids will always be around family, & the moral support is invaluable. I want my kids to grow up around their cousins,(who are basically like brother and sisters)aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Also, since the merger it's been difficult to settle into a base due to closures, openings, and aircraft realignments.

That being said, you have to do what is right for you and your family. No one can tell you what that is. You're going to get a variety of opinions, but in the end only you and your wife will know what's best for you both. Good luck in your decision.