Hi guys,

I'm a new hire starting March 3rd and currently living in Northwestern Vermont, so I'm hoping for any advice on a NYC based aircraft for the quickest career progression and the easiest 1 leg commute or possibility of a long drive. I can fly into all the NYC bases on a RJ in less than an hour flight (no DAL mainline service from my home airport, BTV - Burlington, VT). I can drive to all the NYC bases in about 5-6 hours depending on traffic (if I had to, not preferred). There are 6 one leg flights a day into JFK, 2 one legs into LGA, and 4 one legs into EWR. There are also 3 one leg flights into DTW and 1 one leg into ATL daily from BTV, if I get assigned something outside of NYC. I'd like to keep my commute to flying just 1 leg and limit my driving, if possible. Based on those flight options, it looks like an aircraft covering mostly JFK would be my best option for commuting with 6 flight daily.

My priorities in deciding which NYC based aircraft are: 1. easiest and fewest commutes to work monthly, 2. quickest route to the best quality of life, and 3. pay. So my newb questions are the following:

1. Of the NYC based aircraft, which aircraft are assigned to what bases: JFK, LGA, and EWR? Are all aircraft assigned to all 3 bases or are some aircraft at 2 bases, or even just 1 base? If so, can you please list which aircraft are assigned to what bases and the likelihood (%) of a new hire (reserve) having to cover each base?

2. Of the NYC based aircraft, which one will allow me to group my work days (reserve and/or line) together the easiest to limit my number of commutes to as few as possible monthly? I don't mind long stretches away/working, if I can get larger chunks of days off together too.

3. Of the NYC based aircraft, which one will allow me to get a line the quickest with the quickest seniority advancement?

4. Also, I've read rumors about a Boston (BOS) pilot base coming in the future at DAL. Does anyone have any information on an estimated timeline for a start date of BOS? Is there any speculation as to which aircraft will be assigned there and how senior a base it would be?

So in summary, based upon my readings of APC it seems like NYC should be my logical choice for what I want with JFK being my easiest commute airport. Unfortunately, moving to base isn't an option for a couple of years, but definitely something we are considering as a family for a few years down the road. I'm new to the airlines coming from the military, so I'm trying to figure out a game plan based on what my class will be offered in early March. I have a lower SSN starting with a 2, so I'm not sure how things will play out for me based on the class drop. Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance, take care, and fly safe!

 

Just a quick reply, but NYC 73 would be my choice if I were you. Primarily JFK and relatively fast progression. Boston is projected for Q2/3 this year and will be a 320 base.

 

A320 is a fast moving seat in NYC, a revolving door, virtually zero EWR flying. Rotations have gotten worse, lots of one and two day trips.

BOS will be a wild card for the 320, not sure what the flying will be like, I bet it will go senior.

Good thing about 320 is it is a growth AC, lots more on order and easy transition to A330 for crew.

IMO

 

Agreed on all. It’s been a split between LGA/JFK so that’s why I only mentioned the 73 since it’s primarily JFK. So for seniority progression that avoids EWR, 320 is your best bet. Commutability is up for March as well.

 

Although they don't count one day trips towards commutibility for some reason.
I think the 737 out of NYC has better flying, more variety.

 

I don't think it. I know. it.

 

Hey man,
I’ve been doing the BTV-LGA commute for a couple years. Never not made it on a flight. It’s pretty easy. PM me if you need any info on the commute.

 

Given the amount of BOS-BOS-BOS-BOS 5-days I’ve seen recently, I suspect BOS will have a lot of one day trips as well.

 

Also doesn't JB still do BTV-JFK? JS friendly, used to not oversell (not sure if that changed) and mostly Airbus/2JS equipment I think. They have a few commuters from there but that should greatly add to your options. JFK/LGA are legitimately "co-terminals" with a relatively low cost and quick hop inbetween no matter what anyone says. Done it literally hundreds of times and never an issue even in traffic. They say no one has ever beaten the VanWyck but those who say that have never been in the back of a Q-cab on the backstreets, emergency lanes and sidewalks of Queens going from one to the other in (yes) under 15 minutes sometimes!

Consider JFK just as good as LGA. EWR still sucks and is a co-terminal in name only. Hopefully that changes one day.

 

DL now has 5 flights a day BOS-EWR for those time when you are too junior to avoid the EWR trips.