True, but won’t be doing 1 and 2 day trips like what’s in the title of the thread except in a relatively small amount of companies without seniority. Takes years to get that seniority, except in bases where everyone commutes. Also, unless the OP wants to be moving to a new base for his upgrade, and then again when moving on to a major, and then again when upgrading at said major, and possibly with equipment changes at said major, then the whole 1- 2 day thing can easily fall apart.

If you stay in the same seat in the same base and ride the seniority wave then you’ll be able to hold that type of thing when you get the seniority and as long as the music doesn’t stop (bad economy, wars, etc). This would slow progression in your career, but then that comes down to what matters most to you. To progress at a “normal” or faster pace, if there is such a thing, then 1-2 day trips probably won’t be a thing in most 121. But having 12 nights gone could be a thing, especially living in base.

 

I live in base about an hour from the airport, and I still bid 3 day trips, sometimes 4 day if the trips are worth it. I could easily get 2 day trips, but I don't want to drive that much with gas going above $5/gallon. I'm married with 3 kids and the longer trips give me more days off in a row.

 

That sounds wonderful. Honestly, if I could even just do mostly 3-day trips, I’d be happy. Would you mind sharing at which airline you are? And how is your seniority?

 

That’s a good point too. I’d really prefer to not be gone 3 nights in a row, but I guess I’d just have to accept that and hope that better things come with seniority. Thank you for your answer!

 

I prefer longer trips and more days off in a row personally. That’s more down time to be present at home which is more important…

 

RPA and I'm bidding just inside the top 50% in base. I get good trips, the flip side is I usually don't get the days off I want, so there's always a compromise.

Smart. I know an FO that only bids 4 and 5 day trips. Gets 3 trips per month and usually has 4 or 5 days off in-between each trip and will sometimes pick up a day trip on his stretch of days off.

 

It’s not available at every base so just a word of caution there. The info Ravenwing gave is accurate as well. If you’re not in the PDP you can count Horizon out.

 

If you want to be an airline pilot, be prepared to travel. Plans change, companies change, schedules change, bases change. A lot of change in the airlines has nothing to do with what you want and many things are like phases or temporary situations. If your family can’t handle you doing four day trips, airlines aren’t for you.

 

Virtually zero schedule flexibility at Piedmont.
Air Wisconsin isn’t PHL based.

Republic is your best bet if you want schedule flexibility at the regional and want to be able to be hired at AA.