Dash9

Hey all! Happy New Year's Eve to everyone.

Cadet with Frontier. Wife just received a job offer in Washington D.C. Let's say she'll be there for four years at the very least. Would being based in PHL and commuting to DCA be crazy talk? I know Frontier is headed towards day trips so that probably won't help. Are line holders able to block trips together fairly easy?

Despite all the problems with Frontier - I'm still stoked/lucky to be able to have a shot to earn an airbus slot straight from instructing if Frontier doesn't implode. That said - living in base is touted here as the king decision maker. Especially at a day trip centric outfit. If I could get on with PSA and let's say class dates would be in a similiar timeframe, would you all pick Frontier or PSA if you lived in D.C.? Plan on moving on to a legacy someday.

Otterbox

Barring some economic downturn, you won't be at Frontier for 4 years... a DC based airline AA, SWA, UAL will hire you beforehand. I'd probably stick with it, personally.

LifetimeCFI

Commuting will become pretty difficult. That said, until PSA calls you (and if they haven't yet, you're not gonna be called any time soon most likely) - there's no choice. Your only choice is F9.

My tips: try to mitigate the commute. You're at least close enough you could drive or take the train. I think in this case you could get a crashpad or cough up money for when you're unable/too tired to go home, or when you're worried about not making your early morning flight.

As far as legacy, avoid PSA. Especially if AA is your goal. My mentor would often say two things rule over everything else when it comes to choices like yours:

1. Where would you rather be when the music stops - F9, or PSA?
2. Never commute.

If you can swing a crash pad out of Philly, I think you could manage that for the 2-4 years it'll take you to get to your desired legacy.

planejoe

With the rapidly shifting business strategies F9 management are pursuing I would pursue getting a regional CJO so you have options. If F9 calls you in the mean time and gets you in class first then do that for sure. But if they are going to delay you guys into oblivion at least you have the regional class and can start chipping away at your 121/jet time. Good luck whatever you decide.

LibertyBiberty

Strongly agree. Commuting and living in base are two WILDLY different lives. Live if base if at all possible. It will give you more time at home and a much better QOL. I know that PSA has a DCA base, but several of United's carriers can get you based out of IAD, although I have no clue how junior that is. That being said, don't burn your current bridge (F9) until you have a prettier and better bridge to walk across.

Edit: A 320 type is a really attractive thing, and it is. But, I have my doubts on whether it's worth commuting for. There's also the argument for "where do you wanna be if things stop?". Legacies are slowing a touch (DAL), but not enough to impact everything. Aggresively pursue the CJOs elsewhere so you have options. THEN you can make the choice.

aventhusiast

Current F9, former PSA. I enjoyed my time there and it was fine. IMO the most flexible regional, you can have a very good QOL there. I would still choose F9, if you have the option.

Its only a little over a 2 hour drive from DCA-PHL, so depending where you live in the area you could theoretically bid reserve out of PHL and sit at home, or enjoy a cushy line with decent block hours out of PHL if you plan to build time and leave. If you’re only there in DC for 4-5 years you may just find you like F9 and no longer want to leave if you have the opportunity to live in base. I definitely recommend the drive and not bothering with flying commuting. Retirement at F9 is very good, easier flying, nicer airplane, and better destinations.

With that said, if they both offer you a job and there’s a several month advantage to going to PSA then I would go there and not have regrets. You can get somewhere else soon enough and hopefully have a good time there while you gain experience. Good luck

JoeFever1

Good advice here. 2 hour drive gives you a lot of options and flexibility. Might still need a pad but not relying on flights and schedules is the real key to qol.

Shrek

Another sign of the times.....
RJ or F9 👀

EnterTheFRZ

I'm the the F9 Cadet program and living in the DC area (NoVA). I've been here about 13 years. The drive to Philly can be an easy 2.5 hour trip or it can be a 3-4 of unadulterated brain damage. That being said, my hope is to commute to PHL and see how it goes. If you can position yourself on the north side of town or even out by Annapolis, the drive isn't hateful. Annapolis to Philadelphia on 301->95 is a cake walk.

planejoe

Bid long call reserve and sit at home. You'll have 12 hour notice. Shouldn't be too long to hold that.