BZN Skywest or Horizon?
 

My wife and I are considering a move to Bozeman, MT for her work. I'm flying part 135 in the Seattle area but am trying to figure out options if we move. Would Horizon or Skywest be a better option for someone living near BZN? Do either offer commuter hotels? It should be a short one leg commute with either option, it seems. SEA for Horizon, 4 flights/day. SLC or DEN for Skywest, 4 flights/day to each. Any insight appreciated.

Horizon or Compass could have you heading back to the Puget Sound, but SkyWest will probably see you heading farther east. 2 to 3 daily flights to MSP and ORD, decently easy commute. There is a larger pilot community in BZN than you would expect...

Are you planning on upgrading to CA at any time? Would you rather upgrade in SEA or LGA/Detroit?

Neither offer hotels.

It appears that currently the CRJ captain side is fairly junior in ORD and MSP, which I suppose could work as there are 2 flights/day to each. However, you make a good point, SEA would still be much preferable with 4 flights/day.

With BZN - SEA, you'd be on company metal...and ability to list as a commuter. SEA base on the 175, and get BZN layovers at home.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be calling up QX and asking for an interview.

I actually have a QX offer, but for a potential class wayyy out there. So am considering SkyWest as well. But from the sounds of it I should just stick it out for QX.

I would highly recommend QX for your situation. Worth the wait for your QOL.

Your class date may be way out, but keep in mind it would take a VERY long time to hold a line in SEA at SKW. Take the short wait for the long term payoff.

You should really not plan on commuting longterm if you can help it, like mentioned a lot of pilots both mainline and regional live and commute out of BZN. You will go to check in for the jumpseat and find someone already on it. BZN-SLC would be the shortest and easiest commute but also the most competition.

Not sure how the commute would be to FAT, but it's been going pretty damn Jr as well.

Thanks for all the replies. I know it's a real shot in the dark due to being so far out, but do you think there is a big difference in time spent on reserve between the two? Say between QX at SEA and OO at ORD/MSP?

Very much so. OO guys/gals are getting lines quick... QX you wont fly much on reserve right now. They “panic” hired after there fiasco last year with staffing and canceling flights. So they over hired just incase...

Take a look at Compass, SEA is their junior base at the moment and reserve is minimal. Compass also offers 4 hotels for commuters each month. That has been a lifesaver for me.

I have a Compass interview next month, so will certainly consider that. And the hotels would be ideal. Would it be reasonable to commute to Compass/SEA from BZN on Horizon? Obviously I'd be behind any QX/AS commuters I assume.

That's for the jumpseat ONLY. Offline pilot commuters are behind EVERY class of non-revs for cabin seating. Be forewarned....

For what it’s worth, I’m 6 months on property and sitting import reserve in MFR. I did get SEA for next month, but you can probably plan on MFR for 2-3 months. These things are cyclical, however, so take this with a grain of salt.

Don’t come to SKW if you want SEA
 

QXE is doing more and more 175 flying, CPZ has a huge footprint in SEA and for the past year or so SKW’s flying has decreased. Most junior FO in Seattle has been with the company for 2+ years.

*that being said things can change and they often do.