Can you name any specific areas/neighborhoods within 'a reasonable drive' in SLC or TUS (I'm assuming it's cheaper than PHX) a person should consider?
Cheers!

Not familiar with TUS, but if you get farther away from downtown, it will get cheaper.

In SLC, the valley is going to be cheaper than downtown or areas in the east foothills. West side of the valley is going to be cheaper. Southwest valley area is family oriented, but not much to do out there. Sugarhouse area has things to do, and is near mountains/skiing, but is pricier than some other areas...I'd probably look there or Holladay for starters unless you're a member of the dominant local religion.

You can go north or south as far as Ogden or Provo, but not much to do there and rush hour traffic to the airport would get annoying.

SLC is in the middle of a high desert...if you go far enough in any direction, it will get very, very inexpensive but again not much to do.

TUS isn't that big but there are some parts where you definitely don't want to live. I recommend living north of River Rd (but the drive can start to become prettt long if you live really far north). Also, Tanque Verde is nice, and Rita Ranch is a relatively safe and suburbia feeling area that is close to the airport.

As a new hire you might be able to get SFO right out of the gate, not sure the wait time for SEA, or PDX.

Skiing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling, dirt bike/atv trail riding just to name a few.... I'm bored out of my mind with not much to do!!..... but you're right, if it's the big city life you want then you're better off in other bases...

We have lots of DFW layovers. I believe the ERJ does a lot, and the CRJ-900 does a few, but that can go senior. I finally got a DFW layover after upgrading almost 2 years ago on the CRJ. ORD-DFW is somewhat popular with commuter but is doable. AA has flights every hour including a couple widebodies. UA and Spirit also do it so there are tons of flights.

Thanks for the heads up on this. Thought that SFO may be easy to get to because of the ridiculous costs of living? I'm lucky enough to have family there so sitting reserve wouldn't be an issue, unlike ORD where I'd have to pay to stay. I live in Seattle so hopefully it won't take a long time to get there either.

Last four classes have all gotten ORD. The focus has shifted east. Seems like SFO can be had in 3-5 months after doh and Lax shortly thereafter then sea. Pdx is up there with den for seniority.

Commuting Policy
 

What exactly is the commuting policy and is crew support a resource that actually helps with tough situations? I'm getting ready to start commuting for the first time.

Only the best policy out there...there is no policy.

If you can't make it, call in Emergency...not sick.
Give yourself two flights with open seats and don't worry.