I'm new to the 121 world. Why does the mx base matter?

Usually maintenance bases have early show and late release times. Which means that if you are a commuter you would probably have to come in the day before and stay one until the day after before you can go home.

Your trips start early and end late generally. It’s tough on commuters because 4 day trips turn into 6 day trips (required to commute the day before and day after your 4 day trip).

Think about this scenario, in your bid you’re assigned four 4-day trips and one 2-day trip in May (That’s probably min days off, 12 days). That’s 5 trips total and 2 days to commute to and from home each trip, which equals 10 days of commuting to work.

Do you want to spend 28 days each month on the road?

Wouldn't be miserable if you lived in base though? Other than your 4 day trip being 4 full-day trips?

It's great if you live in base. Boise is a cool area, especially if you're a young FO (college town).

You originally asked why new hires don’t want it. How many new hires do you think just randomly live in Boise or plan to live in Boise just became they’re assigned it? That’s why you received a few answers in regards to the issues with its commute.

Any base you choose is great when you don’t have to commute.

No worries. I appreciate the explanations.

Following this comment and the answers...what is the best way to find out commuting and flight schedules? I'm new to 121 also, so, I wouldn't have had the foggiest idea ahead of time that Boise doesn't commute well. So wondering where to go to best see flight schedules that would help piece that info together.

Find an airline with a base you can live in and you’ll figure out the rest along the way. Movement is fast everywhere so you hopefully won’t be commuting long regardless.

Any good CRJ base suggestion for a commuter from PHX? I know PHX has a CRJ base but I won't be able to hold it for awhile.

FAT. You’ll get it outta training and hold a line immediately.