Does anybody have any idea what the cost is to commute for an American Eagle pilot? the hiring looks promising but I've heard you have to pay to commute. Any other details besides the cost would be appreciated also.

DFW to ORD is $11.23 in coach, one way.
DFW to LAX is $12.70 in coach, one way.
LAX to JFK is $19.26 in coach, one way.

That should give you an idea. It may not sound like much, but that can really add up.

Don't forget about getting a crash pad or buying a hotel room a couple of nights per month. Being on reserve for days on end means you can't bring a lot of perishable food, so expect to pay for a couple of high-priced airport meals. Also think about what your time is worth and how far you may have to commute.

I did SEA to ORD for 3 years. I made it work, but now I live in base and couldn't be happier.

Edit: Don't forget that Eagle pilots fly for free on other airlines. If a different airlines serves your city, that is your ticket. Also, if you sit in the jumpseat on AA or AE there is no charge. Then after 5 wonderful years, coach seats are free! Hold your breath.

Hey, if you don't mind, I have a few more questions. Sorry to be dumb, but I am:

-Are these rates for jump seating? Or is this some sort of a special positive space/commuting arrangement?

-If not the aforementioned and unlikely quasi-"positive space," does one have some sort of priority over other nonrevs, or is it a level playing field regarding these fees?

-Does AE have jump seat agreements with other carriers wherein it would actually be FREE to catch a ride to work with someone other than your mainline affiliate?

-About how big of an average monthly bite would these fees take from a, say, west coast to ORD commuter's paycheck?

These are standby availability for coach class seats, first class is a bit more. Riding in the actual jumpseat is free (but that is typically only an option if the rest of the plane is full)

There are several levels of nonrev travel, but we are on a comparable level with other AA/AE employees. For cabin class seats it goes by when you checked in for the flight (you can checkin online up to 4hrs early). If it comes down to getting the jumpseat AE pilots have priority on AE flights (by AE seniority) and AA pilots have priority on AA flights (by AA seniority).

Yes, 99% of the other Part 121 scheduled passenger and cargo companies offer us jumpseats. It would be FREE to ride on any other carrier. Check passrider.com to get an idea of who flies where/when.

If you flew AA in coach twice a week (to/from work) it would be a sizeable chunk. But ORD has lots of other options, especially United, so I would just plan on riding them for free. Maybe the occasional 1-2 a month on AA if you missed a UAL flight.

Commuting to DFW is where the nonrev fees can add up quickly since there arent many other options for getting to DFW except AA/AE.

The jumpseat is free on AA or AE. But if you sit in a seat, you will pay for it. The is no positive space for a non-rev. You only get on the plane if there is still room after all paying passengers get on.

Like I said previously, AE pilots fly free on other airlines.

A flight from LAX to ORD will cost you $15.41 each way on AA. If you ever want to sleep in your own bed, expect to do at least 4 round trips per month. Quick math: $120 per month just to go to work.

Thanks for taking the time to respond; it's been very helpful.

You pay during your first 5 years.

Do AA/AE employees pay a yearly stipend to have non-rev bennies?

i.e. Delta is $50 for the employee + 50 for every dependent up to $200 max.

but then obviously unlimited free domestic travel in all classes.

Just fly on another airline. It's free, and the ride will be more enjoyable too.

Correction:
Delta is $50 for employee and all pass riders (including buddy passes) on pass account which is parents, parents in law, children, spouse or partner. All ride for free domestically and pay departure taxes for international.

Delta connection may be a bit different.

I can not believe AA gets away with charging its own employees per flight yet allows offline js for free and expects it's pilots to fly free on oal js.