I'm looking for information and/or advice from anyone that is making a commute out of San Antonio, or has done so in the past.

My wife and I are contemplating a move to San Antonio next summer after our oldest kid graduates from high school. We are both from Texas and went to college there. My wife's entire extended family lives there, so a move there would make her extremely happy. My family lives just north of Dallas. Basically, living there would make the entire family very happy. My only hesitation is figuring out just how painful the commute would be. Right now I live in Phoenix and commute to LA. So, while I certainly don't enjoy commuting, I'm getting used to it.

Just based on some cursory looks at TravelNet and Passrider this past week, it looks like LAX or ATL would be the best options. SLC, MSP and DTW look to be difficult based on limited flights (NYC as well -- although I really prefer to avoid commuting there anyway). I'm on the 717 right now, but I would likely move over to the 737 to give me the flexibility to switch bases.

I appreciate any help. Thanks!

Mike

 

I know a few people that do it to ATL, haven't heard any complaints.

 

There's are a good number of mainlines to ATL but you will need to watch carefully as there are a LOT of retired/ex military in SA and flights fill up quickly. Also pay attention to big events like conventions which can leave you in the lurch. Day of commuters need to be on the trigger for the JS right at 1200 if they want it.

Austin is also available if willing to make the drive.

 

If you're committed to commuting then San Antonio isn't the worst place to commute from. The two guys who wrote my application recommendations probably have over 20 combined years of commuting experience from San Antonio. I lived in San Antonio for a year while commuting to NYC and I hated it, perhaps it wouldn't have been so bad if I'd been able to AE to Atlanta but at the time I was stuck. The nice thing about the 717 in Atlanta is it's pretty easy to get commutable trips. If you're on reserve, then it would be a gut check whether or not you sat long call in ATL or San Antonio. The company is already on the war path against SC cheaters, I personally wouldn't press to test on LC (although I'm sure there are many who successfully do).

As previously mentioned, there are a LOT of retired, reserve, and guard commuting out of San Antonio which means non-rev will be challenging, and there's intense competition for the jump seat. The last time I tried to nonrev to ATL with my wife, I got the JS and my wife didn't make the flight. All day. Your only back-up to DAL is SWA, I used them once to get home on a double-commute thru ATL.

Bottom line is know yourself. Pick the easiest commute in the system, and I probably wouldn't like it. If you're committed to commuting then San Antonio is a viable place to commute from.

 

SAT-ATL is a fairly tough commute. Flights always full and lots of commuters. Wouldn't recommend it.

 

It sucks.....I commuted out of SAT for almost 2 years. Loading is always super high and there are a ton of commuters. All of the jumpseats you would want for a commutable trip are gone by 12:00:01. I couldn't wait to be done with that commute. I commute CVG - ATL now and it is waaaaaaay easier and less stressful. Good luck!

 

I'd recommend AUS vs SAT for your commute. You have more options for LAX and NYC, plus you aren't competing with as many pilots for the JS to ATL. DTW, MSP and SLC are break even between AUS and SAT. Having commuted from SAT to multiple bases, the 12:00:01 comment about the ATL JS is accurate. If your heart is set on living in SAT, I'd recommend something along the I-35 corridor NE of town so you can commute from AUS.

 

I second living in between AUS/SAT. You double your chances of success. Overall AUS wins with its way better JFK frequency (3x DL, 2 x B6, 1 x AA), and new RDU/SEA service.

New Braunfels is probably your best bet. San Marcos is lacking when it comes to housing but is doable. Kyle and Buda start getting a bit too far from SAT.

I live about 3 minutes off -35 and it's 35 minutes to AUS and 45 mins to SAT.

If I end up home with the car at the opposite airport it's $80 one way rental or $110-120 after tip with a cab. I've only needed to do that once a year or so - usually I have a ride.