In a strange twist of fate (life is funny sometimes) I have ended up with an offer for a class date on October 11th for American Eagle AND Atlantic Southeast Airlines.

With American Eagle, I would be flying the CRJ 700 out of LGA. I would have to commute, but for the time being, I would probably have a line out of training because they are so understaffed on the aircraft. This could, of course, change, and I would end up commuting to LGA for reserve if it does.

With ASA, I will be Atlanta based, and I live in Atlanta. I will probably end up with the CRJ 200, and would definately be on reserve. No commuting, no crash pad. ASA is $2/hr. less for year 1, but $1/hr. more for year 2.

Both airlines have a relatively long history, and appear to be a good place to be.

The question is this, which would you take, and why? No bashing here, please. There are plenty of other places you can do that.

 

You already know my opinion..but living in base is absolutely PRICELESS. It will make your QOL 189019840184102X better..so much in fact, that you might actually be able to afford first year pay!

Commuting sucks, there's absolutely nothing good about it. If you're going to sit reserve, it might as well be on your own couch.

I'm jealous.

 

You go to ASA and never look back. Commuting is a torture created in hell for those who choose it. Nothing like finishing a trip and going HOME.

 

I'd take ASA. Commuting, particularly to NYC is a killer. There are other things for YOU to consider, but commuting vs. not commuting almost decides it for you.

My commute right now, while paid for, is from DFW to BOG. I've always commuted. Made it work, but it would be nice to just "drive" to work.

 

Good luck with that estimate. Seriously though, sounds like you have a very hard choice. Commute to New York or stay home....

 

Go with ASA hands down. Look into what is happening with both carriers and make the best decision. Mine would be no commuting, an airline that is not up for sale and an airline that just signed a 10 year cpa along with a merger with another great airline. Plus I hear that there are only a few spots that ASA is hiring for and you got one. The writing is on the wall man go with ASA. Best of luck to you with whatever you decide.

 

Don't be suprised if you end up in IAD as a new hire at ASA. But it may not be for that long. An ATL base should come available in the near future, look at the long term.

 

ASA. No commute. Eagle will shrink to half its fleet ala ComAir.

 

You are very fortunate to get on at both places during this down turn. Both are good options for you, however if you live in ATL, ASA is the place to go. Avoid the commute at all cost. Im on reserve here at AE, but I live in base. I havent flown since Sept 1. I have mowed the lawn, got the oil in the car changed, and just ran erands all month, all on the companies tab. Being based at home is like that visa commercial, "It's priceless!!!"

 

Assuming you want to live in ATL this is an absolute no-brainer: ASA.

Eagle's future is very much uncertain right now, so I'd lean the ASA way anyway.

And, if you have any inkling of making this decision based on the voice in your head saying "yeah, but I could maybe become an AA pilot automatically" then you need a beating.