LOL, guess I have been spoiled going to EWR on UAL.

When I did it, part of the suck was maybe 1-2 a day on L-UAL, and 3-4 on L-CAL per day.

With the same problems, LOTS of senior commuters. Now there's SW doing DEN-EWR which changes the game somewhat.

In my 30's, going back home in the winter at 4+ hours in the JS wasn't too painful. The times I've done it now, and I want to put a bullet in my head half way in.

At least you have a good attitude. I'm retired mil too. Realize that 8 days off there does not equal 8 days off here. Sure, we had 8 days off a month but I was home nearly every night my last assignment and could get away for special events. Here you're not in the house for 3-7 days at a time. 12 days off as a commuter is not particularly enjoyable for a guy with a family like us. As 130drvr alluded to EWR lines can be pretty good. I have had 18 days off multiple months at 62% in base.

All the best and welcome.

I do realize that. I've had it made the last bit of my career, both schedule and pay. It'll probably be 7 yrs before I'm close to where I am now. That's fine, gotta pay my dues. It'll be worth it.

All I can say is that there's a reason Denver is so senior.

7 years maybe for schedule. Not for pay. Year 1 is a pretty good pay cut. Years 2 and 3 with retirement is significantly more than I made my last year on AD.

Heck, you keep reminding me how awesome Denver is and I'll put in a bid too.

What? And deal with that horrible commute? You don't wanna do that.

Maybe I'll just move to EWR and buy a cabin in CO that I can visit with all my off time. Hmmmm, live at base and commute to the mountains?

If I can add my two cents.

I commuted for 8 years. I started off as a marathon runner and completed a half iron man on my way to a full. I was in great shape. Now I'm 30 pounds overweight, messed up my knee, and spend about 4 hours a week waiting for a plane to take me home.

Don't commute. You have a choice. Move from Pitt to Eastern PA. Take advantage of world travel opportunities for a few years. Vacation in Colorado. And in 5-7 years.....guess what the Rockies will be waiting for you. Move then. Commuting for fun when the loads look good or buying a ticket to go on vacation is much different then every week leaving sometimes 18-20 hours before show or Fedexing yourself (appreciate the ride but it's the middle of the night) to work and pushing through to your duty period is over and decide what you really want is a beer and some sleep instead of the 7 mike jog I use to do.

Also CA has some nice mountains and a (relatively) jr base. It's just for a few years then move to Denver (the sunshine state).

One more thing. DC is trending JR might also be a good place to move to in the short run.

.....................

No. I wont bid DEN til I can hold a line. Meanwhile EWR isn't quite as horrible as you imagine it is.