Really? Delta is my number one choice right now and figured a TPA-ATL commute would be super easy...

Florida commutes are tough, but as a Delta pilot you would travel at a higher priority than us at xjt because nearly all the flights are mainline. But there are a lot of Delta pilots and FAs living in Florida to compete with. Some actually choose to commute to DTW over ATL.

I can attest to this. I live in FLL and have commuted for almost 3 years and the commute can be a bear if you're not savvy on all the tricks and tips of the trade. I once heard a guesstimate that it seems like 1 in 5 airline crew live in FL and I often think that's probably not to far from the truth.

-2263

Florida commuting in general is tough, and TPA is one of the hardest cities in the state, and TPA-ATL is brutal, and all of these cities are only magnitudes of order worse as a regional pilot (lower boarding priority).

I agree: try Allegiant first, and with your time, try Southwest.

Envoy is pulling out of Miami but Republic is moving into Miami. About a 4-5 hour drive from TPA.

Home a lot and regional flying can not be used together harmoniously. If you go to a regional, you will be gone a lot, and if you maintain your homestead location, you will be gone even more. I do not recommend flying for a regional at this point in time. Please reconsider, there are better things you could be doing with your time and experience. The Majors will be looking to you soon enough if you allow your patience to prevail.

Yes, if you are DL then it is MUCH better. The FA jumpseat becomes available and you are above retirees. Plus, you are on equal ground by DOH with the family vacation, flight attendants, and their brothers/sisters/kids. But until then, STAY AWAY from that commute on Delta.

US airways goes by check in time I believe??

eff the regionals. Do guard/reserve, commute to the unit; make more money and be home more. do life smart, not hard. Good luck.

I was also going to mention Republic. Except I was going to say to shoot for SDF (still junior enough as a new-hire the last time I checked) as a base. Drive to MCO and jumpseat on UPS.....very easy with no headaches and no pax terminal BS.

TPA to ATL is regularly oversold. Not generally a good option for a junior regional pilot. It's possible, but very difficult.