junglejetjockey

Currently a regional FO based in ORD and absolutely love living in Chicago. However, I am a member of the propel program so I am extremely fortunate to have a qualified job offer with DL…would I be better off applying to UA or AA so I can stay based in Chicago, or is DL a good enough company to justify a commute? It sounds like you guys get tons of time off compared to what I’m getting now, and if I had to get a hotel in MSP or DTW every now and then it doesn’t seem like that would really break the bank. I have family in Ohio within driving distance to DTW who I could stay with if needed. Then again, I know my ability to pick up premium would be restricted…and yes I know commuting would definitely be a step down compared to living in base. But I absolutely love DL as a company and would hate to abandon the propel program only to regret it down the road. Should I give the commute a shot and if it sucks that bad then apply to UA or AA? Or should I just send out my apps now? Thanks for your input.

rickair7777

Apply to AA and UA right until your DL class date. Take the first class date of those three, unless you also have a near-term class date with AA or UA.

Once you you're on property at DL, then you can re-evaluate.

myrkridia

Do you have an offer from AA or UA? What are the implications of leaving the propel program? Generally if you have an opportunity to live in base at a major, jumping ship to commute to a different one doesn't make sense.

StoneQOLdCrazy

I don't think so. Lots of commuters ORD-MSP and ORD-DTW.
extra time off vanishes quickly when commuting.

Meme In Command

Are you single? Kids? Own your place in Chicago? Family there? If your answer is no, I'd take the job, move to another base and give it a shot. If you hate living in base THAT much either move back or drop an app with UA and AA. I know one dude who turned down a DL CJO because he didn't want to commute. He regrets it immensely and has since re-applied and hasn't gotten called back for a second interview. I'd take the job and explore your options.

junglejetjockey

Don't have an offer from either...haven't sent any apps out yet. I feel like it would be next to impossible to get an interview with Delta if I left the propel program, so I'm hesitant to apply elsewhere without at least seeing if commuting is feasible or not. There's loads of flights between ORD/MDW and DTW/MSP/ATL so it doesn't seem like the worst commute in the world, but honestly I'm sure it sucks compared to living in base.

TNDeltaFlyboy

If you truly love the company, then IMHO it's worth commuting for. I've commuted for nearly 20 years and I do not regret doing so in the slightest. Eventually you may not want to pick up premium due to family reasons, et al. By then would you rahter live where you want to live or live in a base you don't?

RAH RAH REE

Never hold out for a certain airline, lest the aviation gods will smite thee. Its like they know you only have 1 app in. Go to Delta, United or AA will call shortly after.

overqualified52

I thought all the propellers were sent to Endeavor to cut the line to "mainline" . Do they send propel to SkyWest as well ?

junglejetjockey

Endeavor, SkyWest, and Republic. Though now I think you can go to any 121 carrier if I'm not mistaken.