If no mass transit, then you have to balance ease/cost of getting to work vs. crash pad cost vs. crash pad local (ie stuff to do while you're hanging out).

Be aware that near some major airports, uber drivers will not want to take you to the airport... they get like $4.87 for a 1.2 mile trip but the traffic into the terminal costs too much gas and time.

Personally I ALWAYS stashed a car at any base where I commuted, most especially for reserve. That gives you much better flexibility as to where you stay and improves reserve QOL ( and will also make you popular). As a lineholder I would commute in very early for late shows and then I could go do something local (skiing, biking, hiking in my case). Reduced commuting stress because I had plenty of backup flights without being stuck with 6-8 hours post-commute airport appreciation.

 

I used to uber from Atlantic at MDW to the terminal at MDW... They might not be happy about it but I never had a problem getting a ride.

 

If you’re looking at a regional, safe to assume you’re entering the industry? And just starting off the bat you are already stuck where you are and cannot move? Yikes. How are you that inflexible before even really starting a 121 career?


Yup.

 

They are limited as to how many trips they can refuse. But lately they will call you BEFORE they accept the trip to verify that you're not going to the airport. I guess you could lie, might be awkward though.

Maybe MDW isn't as congested as some big hubs. My experience is with west coast hubs.

 

Definitely could be a regional thing. East coast and west coast Ubers seem a lot more like cabs, with all the nastiness that comes with cabs. I’ve been pretty lucky in Chicago.

 

Most of the Uber drivers have become very slick with their techniques to avoid unpopular trips. Also as others have said, most people give the reason for commuting is because of their family. However if you commute you won’t see your family very much.

 

Depends on the base and your seniority.
At one point commuting to ATL I had a really cheap “airport car” and you see plenty of them in the parking lots. I had a free crash pad in my cousins basement and it gave me flexibility.
Commuting to DTW I did without a car. The few times I needed to stay there I got a cheap hotel room. $54 out the door including breakfast.
DFW I only commuted to for a few months. Hotel rooms 1-3 times per month were cheaper than crash pads.
Did ORD for two months. Didn’t have to worry about places to stay as it never came up.

 

Thanks for the replies and thoughtful responses!

 

Actually returning - I was a product of the late 90's and choose to not go into aviation for numerous reasons. Kept invovled, owned a plane etc.. Making a run at it now after testing the waters in pt135 world. We own a business - hence cant move but putting in the sacrifices. Regional is the best option for ATP and turbine. Commute aside not going to uproot everything for regional life and I have a number of good options to make it doable but will include a drive to various airports if needed.

 

So, you’re too good to work for Mesa?

Looks like the APC gossip board has done a number on you. Good luck upgrading in a couple of years.