I normally commute on Alaska, SWA, or United. Getting up there I usually have lots of options out of Denver and through Seattle, including United nonstop to Anchorage. Unfortunately, the number of flights out of Anchorage at the time I am looking to leave seems to have shrunk or are more heavily booked. My last two commutes home I listed on 3-4 flights before actually getting a seat. That said, I’ve only had to commute once a month, so not exactly a deal breaker.

Thanks, tnkrdrvr. This certainly helps me make a more informed decision...if I even have the option for that decision. Just happy to have an impending job. Thanks again to all on this thread.

So all things considered since people don't really need to chase aircraft for pay, most of the movement in a base is based on retirements alone then?


How are the retirements looking in ONT compared to other bases?


Are the schedules in ONT as diverse as everywhere else? Some day, some night, some long trips, some short trips, some international, some all domestic type thing?

Hi. Saw your post here and wanted to see if you ever got an answer regarding your living situation in LAS but commuting to ONT. I got a CJO and currently live in LA but started the process to buy a house in LAS and wanted to know how that commute would be for me? Do the schedules out of ONT allow me to easily drive and sometimes fly to ONT or am I better off staying in LA? With a growing family I can afford a better house for them in LAS vs Southern California. Thank you

Sirius,
If you live in Socal currently I would certainly stay put. At least until youre off probation. The best thing about living in domicile is you never have to sweat your schedule. No matter what you get, its doable. While LAS isnt far, its still a commute and that means stress over how you will get to and from work. There are almost no crash pads available in ONT. So if you end up on RSV or some line with multiple reports every week you will be miserable and broke trying to figure out where to sleep every night. Stay where you are for now. Just my .02 cents.

Cheers
Ckap130

I do know a very junior ONT captain who lives in Vegas.
He was a senior ANC MD FO who took the first available upgrade in Ontario. From our conversations I remember he said trips were better out of Anchorage BUT he prefers the commute out of Vegas. He takes Southwest to ONT and has a plethora of choices. In worst case he can now drive to work.

He actually lived on the east coast and commuted all the way to Anchorage. Can’t remember which state it was but after moving to Vegas he now saves thousands of dollars each year on taxes. Said california taxes would’ve been even higher so moving to Vegas was the best decision he ever made.

I’ll ask him to chime in here but I don’t think he’s much of an APC guy.

thanks whalesurfer I’ve read many of your posts regarding ups.

I’d argue the more important considerations would be where the better school systems are and which is a better place to raise kids. You get what you pay for. Tax free (or low) states don’t always mean you keep more $$.

Very true I do have a toddler and another one due in a month.

The other consideration is how much of your time should be spent with your kids vice someone else raising them for you. I’d take a lesser school system if it meant I could be actively involved over a great one that resulted in my losing that involvement to commuting. Lots of pros and cons to consider when talking about a move and commuting versus living in domicile. Generally speaking, your kids want all of your time and begrudge all of your absences.