looking for opinions from company pilots. I just interviewed last week. The company seems great, everyone that was around the training center seemed happy, etc. I am a commuter out of Houston. That being said, I have a young family, and am in no position to move at this time. Possibly later in a couple years, but not right away. I have seen and heard that most lines are built 4/2. I was wondering if anyone can shed some light on what the commute might be from IAH to PHL. While I know that commuting sucks, I feel that I can do it for a while if the greater goal is in mind; however I don't have any experience in the 121 world, and don't want to hate my life in a year..I have been in corporate for years, and would really like to make the move to PDT, just don't want to bite off more than I can chew. Do the lines really get better? Maybe 5/3...ETC? Any info helps and thanks in advance!

 

You're not going to find any 5/3 here unless we have more day trips start popping up to tack on to 4 days. As you get more senior the lines improve though. The April bid had more cumulative days off than I've seen in a year.

 

Hey thanks for the info, I appreciate it. Overall, do you think its a commutable airline for my situation? I know most of the info out there (Hotels, commuter rules, etc) and what the recruiting team says; but what I'm unfamiliar with is routes, large bases, number of commuters, etc. I don't mean to seem too needy, like I said just trying to make the best choice that I can. Thanks-

 

My parents live in Houston, and I've never been bumped off a flight there, and there are also directs on United and Southwest. I will say there are other airlines that are more commutable because they can offer more days off sooner. But, if you're willing to move in a couple of years, it may be worth it to you to stick it out for awhile to reap the benefits.

 

Although the schedules are mostly 4/2 the lines have been built very commutable. Flying with a guy right now who commutes from DFW, our 4day started at 1450 day one and ends at 12ish on the last day, he is able to commute to and from on both days. The commute is long but at least you arent loosing days off. This is how the majority of the trips have been built for the last few months.

 

How does the 11 day off guarantee work?

On an average month you will work 3 "4 on 2 offs" giving you 6 days off. Do you receive a string of 5 off to close out the month?

 

some 3 day offs thrown in, some have 3on 3 offs thrown in, but by in large 5 trips, 4on 2off = 30 days, 10 off, so just need 1 extra off to make 11 days off. About 1/2 the lines are 11 off. others have 12-14 off.

 

What are the reserve rules at PDT?

 

No airport standby. 10 mins to answer phone/ call back after first call. 75 min call-out in the outstations and 90 minutes in Philly. 4 golden days a month, and only 4 allowable Jr. mans a year. Guaranteed 75 and any extensions past initial assigned trip pay 2.5 to 3.5 over guarantee.
I live in base and I prefer reserve or build-ups.

 

What's a golden day? Googled and got nothing except how awesome the golden days of airlines were.