Better commute from SEA—SLC or LAX?
 

I’ve seen some info about the SEA-LAX commute, but not much about SEA-SLC. Any thoughts on if one commute is preferable to the other? For those of us too junior to get into Seattle for a while.

While I don't commute out of SEA, you may want to consider a couple things. First, download the ALPA app to see how many commuters you compete with to each base. I honestly don't know if the app counts all ALPA commuters or just DAL commuters. I'm all but certain it doesn't include FA's. So, with that said, consider that LAX is a FA and pilot base for just about every airline out there. You'll be competing with a lot more people than SLC most likely.

Anecdotal evidence as best, but I fly often between these city pairs on the 73. That being said, I rarely have any jumpseaters on SEA-SLC. SEA-LAX almost always has jumpseaters from UAL, SWA, AA and us. YMMV!

Without a doubt slc-sea would be easier. Cheaper hotels in slc, less people doing the commute.

I do the SEA-LAX commute and it’s not bad, at least in comparison to other commutes I’ve done. Lots of mainline flights to book the jumpseat on and a good early in/late out flight with Alaska. That being said hotels are expensive and there are a lot of commuters. SLC definitely seems like you’d have less competition.

It's been quite a few years since I did the SEA-SLC and then SEA-LAX. At the time the SEA-LAX commute was much easier for me. There were many more flights, don't have to worry about the winter weather in LAX and you stay in the same time zone.

Denny

I live in SEA and commuted to LAX for a few months back in 2017. It was, without a doubt, the easiest commute I've ever had as far as the sheer number of flights to choose from. Downside was expensive hotels. I was on RSV back then and I'd fly down in the morning for my sc shift and then just fly back home when it was over....and would do that multiple days in a row in order to avoid the stupid hotel costs (but if you do need one, Priceline seemed to give the best prices).

Someone else mentioned the volume of commuters between SEA and LAX and that is absolutely true. AA, the Eskimo, a half dozen regionals....there's always a jumpseater between the two cities, that's for sure. That said, remember the eskimo has 2 jumpseats on their 737s. Miserable? Yes. But it's a short flt.

All this aside, if god forbid I get displaced out of SEA in the future, I'd head for SLC. Pretty much just us and skywest pilots for that commute....rare to have someone physically occupying the jumpseat on that leg (at least that was the case when I was on the 73). Hotels are mucho cheaper in SLC, too. All other things being equal (ie, if there aren't trips that you prefer being flown out of one base and not the other) I really think it would be cheaper and less stressful to commute to SLC. Good luck whatever you try. With the current surplus on the ER up here, SEA is quickly becoming a difficult base to hold. :mad:

Back in the dark ages when I was commuting to SLC only Delta and sometimes SWA flew that leg. It was a nightmare trying to get a Jumpseat.

Denny

Is it legal/advisable to sit long call at SEA if based in SLC or LAX?

If they call you at 6 pm for a 6 am report, can you make it?