I love it here and really don't want to move back east... I am originally from WV and the mountains are no comparison. I am kinda stuck here actually, my fiancee has the better job and we really cannot move. I guess I am just going to have to suck it up and commute for awhile til I gain more experience.

 

I lived in based for a couple years - and hated every second of it. Missed so much going on back 'home' that it drove us mad. Had to give up all my old hobbies. We (me and my family) were miserable - all of us. So we moved back home and I started to commute. Now, I've got all my old hobbies back - skiing, hiking, backpacking, mountain climbing, snowshoeing, etc etc. I love mountains and that's where I belong, and now l'm once more living in the mountain foothills. I love where I live, and now we are back with our families and friends and are no longer missing out on the get togethers and events. In base, we merely existed. At home, we are living again.

But the price I pay is high. The commute is pure hell. I won't leave my little slice of heaven, and commuting has contributed to me dreading going to work. It's very stressful, and I'm resenting every second of it to the point I get very angry about the job overall. My 'days off' quality of life has gone up tenfold. My 'work days' quality of life is in the sewer. You will have to weigh the pro's and con's to your particular situation.

Good luck with what you decide. Make sure it's worth it. Either one will require large sacrifices on your part.

 

I currently commute coast to coast for a regional. I have a two leg commute and it is difficult sometimes. I typically have 4 on 3 off and am able to commute home on my last day. Coming to work is the one that cuts into your days off but fed ex has worked out pretty good for me there. Hope this helps. Just understand that commuting is a reality of this industry. If I didnt have a family I would not commute.

 

I commute SEA to DTW. It sucks. I only go home on 3 days or more which are rare as a jr man. One thing to learn is the jumpseat rules. Don't let some asinine captain tell you that it's seniority based when it isn't. It's first come first show with most airlines. My own company guys have tried to pull that B.S. Know your rules, don't chance it and realize it's just part of the job. And don't let 4 stripes blow you away. It's amazing how guys/gals pull that crap. Classy!

 

There are 7 direct flights a day from ABQ to SLC. I'd be chasing a job at Skywest if I were you.

 

Oh i definitely will when they start hiring. They are my number one choice.

 

Mesaba or Pinnacle might not be so bad if you can get MSP. NW has 2 non-stops a day ABQ-MSP, both on the airbus (means 2 jumpseats). About 2.5 hours, and could be commuted same day on both ends if you can get a pm show. If necessary, you could try going through lots of places to make the commute with only one stop.

ASA would be a one leg commute on multiple mainline on DL. Two time zone commuting sucks, but at least you wouldn't have to worry about connecting flights.

I cringe at even mentioning it, but Mesa has PHX, DEN, and ORD all one leg from ABQ. There are close to 20 mainline flights between ABQ-PHX on weekdays, and lots of flights to DEN as well.

 

Thanks.. all the info is much appreciated!

Sadly, I have thought about it, but cannot bring myself to apply to Mesa.

 

Anyone know how the commute would be going from So Cal (LAX, ONT, SNA) to STL?

 

Better check on AA jumpseat policies...I don't know if they will take more than one offline jumper, although I think they may have changed that policy recently.