There are a lot of people that commute ORD-STL or vice-versa. It's doable. However you're competing with all those other people for spots on flights that are, on the United side, very full because they're all RJs. You also have the joy that is ORD to contend with.

TSA doesn't have a commuter clause, which sucks for those early starts or sitting reserve but I know plenty of people that make it work. Ask me again in 6 months if commuting is worth it.

The upgrades are not just "long" at Eagle, they're almost non-existent.

Theres always the crashpad in East STL, where you know it'll be a safe drive to work! And once you make captain you can afford to buy a nice, big, shiny and safe car! Ive had some bad nonrev experiences, where I really had no pressure to get home..can only imagine how bad it is when you have a reporting time.

Had this same decision last year and went to Eagle, haven't really thought twice about it. My initial reasoning was based on friends who had gone to TSA and bailed within the first 8 months because they "couldn't take it anymore." My final decision was the fact that my Eagle interview was very friendly and relaxed and my TSA interview was one of the most confrentational things I have ever experienced and I figured that the interview style is probibly a good indication of how the company is run.

That all being said, I have met people since then who are happy at TSA so just like everything else it is a personal decision.

Are you kidding? The tsa interview (5 min panel!) is a joke!

But that is a good indication of management...a joke.

I could not agree more. Commuting sucks. Period. If you live in Chicago, go to Eagle or Skywest. I'd choose eagle more than likely. There is more to life than a quick upgrade. Your QOL will be incomparably better if you don't have to commute. We all want to upgrade, but its not worth giving up so much to do it. I myself left TSA a little over a year ago to come to XJT, and despite the fact that I'd be a CA had I stayed, I'd make the same decision again without hesitation. I no longer commute, our 2nd year pay is livable, and my life overall is much happier. This job isn't worth the kind of sacrifices people routinely make to do it. Get a job with a company that has a base where you live. Hope that helps.

At least interview with RAH. Express that you live in Chicago and would like to be based there if possible. Do not ask for the 170. Chances are you will find yourself in an S5 class. S5 is expecting growth this year. If they don't offer you S5, walk away and go to Eagle. I'm willing to bet you can manage to get there if you are otherwise qualified.

Thanks for all of the great feedback guys, I appreciate it. I know commuting sucks, which is why its a tough decision. The reason I narrowed it down to TSA and AE for now, is that I don't want to instruct until 1,000 hours total for skywest. Otherwise I'd be apply there in a heartbeat. Shuttle America sounds great, but the odds of getting the E170 AND an ORD base seems like a long shot.

Odds of S5 are probably better than 1 in 3. Most of the hiring is at RW and S5 right now since that's where the growth is. ORD is fairly senior, but I haven't heard of any trouble to getting to an S5 base quickly. The only base in the RAH system that seems to have a delay is DEN since anyone west of the Rockies wants to go there. Also, if they don't offer you what you want (and you are dead set on ORD above all else), get the interview practice and walk away. I know people who lived in base at Eagle who came to commute to RW. They are making more on first year pay here than on second year reserve at Eagle.