Hey guys, I'm going to start commuting towards the end of this year. Never have had to do it before. Looking for some advice, really on anything related to commuting.
I don't really even know what I don't know... Things like finding crashpads, good prices on crashpads, packing for a week or two at a time, saving money on food, etc. Any tips to make the process a little easier I'd appreciate!

 

First off, educate yourself on jumpseat procedures and etiquette. For security reasons I won't go into too many details here but the info should be available through your employer/union.

I would plan on a few nights in a hotel at your new domicile, you probably don't want to commit to a crashpad sight unseen (unless it's recommended by someone you know). Crashpads can be found online and through crew-room bulletin boards. Be aware that in some cities they are illegal (too many occupants)...actually they're probably technically illegal everywhere but only a few places try to enforce it so they have to fly under the radar. In that case you may have to ask around.

When selecting a crashpad, make sure you have suitable transportation to/from the airport. I pretty much always brought a car, but some places like ORD and NYC would be hard to park, involve permits, and already have good public transportation.

If you'll be spending a lot of time at the crashpad, make sure there's stuff to do nearby (gyms, food, shopping, etc) or again have transportation.

Some crashpads do not allow reserves, only commuting line holders who spend the night and then leave. If you're on reserve make sure the crashbad is suitable for that.

The 22" stealth suitcase fits in most overhead bins, and can hold 4-6 days of stuff. You'll probably need to stash additional clothes at your crashpad...they usually have a cabinet or bin for each resident.

As for food...flying hungry is dangerous, kind of like flying tired. If you can't afford hot meals make sure you're getting a combination of carbs/sugar/protein...PBJ's are a cheap solution for that. Ideally your crashpad will have a kitchen, rather than just a hotplate/microwave. Some airports have good food (ex SFO), others don't but it's all expensive. If you carry perishable food in a soft-sided cooler (available at online crew stores) you can ask for hotel rooms with fridges...sometimes they'll bring a small fridge to your room if you ask, or let you put your food in the hotel fridge. You can also leave it in the crew-room fridge if you're doing hub turns.

 

There isn't much you can do to polish the turd of commuting. If you fly for an ALPA carrier, go to the ALPA website and download the document on jumpseating with other carriers. There's good info in it, and it's usually pretty up-to-date.

When I was commuting to JFK, I found a guy who sold crashpad beds for $45/night, picked you up/dropped you off, and gave you a Dunkin' Donut bagel in the morning. It was an unbeatable deal. Between his place and the crew discount at our hotel, I never needed a crashpad, and I never spent more than $300 a month (which is what a crashpad with incidentals would have cost). Get a handle on those incidentals--food, transportation, the occasional movie or beer, laundry, etc.

Your company likely has a commuter clause. Know what it is, and if there are ways to work around it, learn them fast.

If you can do jetway trades with another pilot to/from work from your home, take advantage of it. You might get paid to fly home or to work, or you may get paid to fly part of the way. Sometimes you'll lose money on it, sometimes you'll gain money on it, but it'll even out in the end.

Carry a collared shirt in your bag so you can ditch the uniform shirt at the end of the trip, but still get access to the cockpit JS.

When you introduce yourself to the captain, also introduce yourself to the FO.

Accept the fact that sometimes you're just not going to get to work or get home, especially in bad weather or spring break. DON'T allow yourself to rush or do anything stupid just to get back to base to catch your flight home. Easier said than done, but you still need to keep your cool.

Don't rule out riding on freighters, but ask for help on figuring out how to get to/from where you need to be. Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's not. The advantage to freighters is that once you list, the seat is yours. Your chances of getting bumped are almost zero. The downside is that a few of them also insist that if you are not going to need the seat, you call and cancel. If you don't follow this procedure, they will usually ban you after the second offense.

Keep your phone charged.

If you are commuting from a smaller airport, or from a big airport where your company has a small presence, get to know the gate agents. Be nice to them. Give them the occasional gift card to Starbucks or perform a similar gesture. There will eventually be days where they get you on flights they shouldn't...and if you get on their bad sides, they will keep you off of flights they shouldn't.

If you aren't going to start commuting until the end of the year, start keeping track of loads so that you can see what you're in for. You may decided that it isn't worth it.

 

Thanks guys great advice thanks for putting the time into that.