I commuted to BWI for a yr from NYC. You can fly into DCA and take the train to BWI. It'll take an hr. Uber rides aren't that bad $40 and will take 30-45min. In a pinch those will work. There's also a bus but I never researched that one. If there are flights on company metal use that and if you can't get on use the commuter policy. I did once when NYC shut down for 2 days for snow. Not even a question from scheduling.
I've met several who commute from BUF and all have done both bases. Either is relatively easy

So how long to ATL? Just kidding. Serious though how long for PHX LAS or DEN?

Depending on the monthly bid it’s a few months wait.

New hires out of training got PHX and LAS in February. DEN plug in February is an August 2017 hire.

DAL still running a few months?

Yes. Junior guy to get awarded DAL in FEB was hired very end of August.

I’m scheduled to finish up my LOFT on 2/2-2/3. Planning on OAK for March and BWI for April 🤞🏼 What’s everyone’s experience been for IOE and consolidation? I’ve heard you get a line to consolidate but wasn’t sure if training/planning will try to get you your preferred base or if it’s whatever you were awarded for your vacancy? Hoping to commute to the west coast as little as possible.

February vacancy (new hires):
BWI-11
HOU-5
LAS-8
MDW-5
OAK-47
PHX-5

Your hardline month following IOE will be assigned to you, and it's usually in your preferred base.

BTW, finishing up early in Feb will work great for you...contract states that you'll get a full hardline month, so scheduling will build out the rest of Feb for you and then you'll bid for your hardline in March. So you likely won't see reserve until April.

Unless that’s a new thing...that’s not true at all. Our hard line month was in the base we were awarded. They also pulled our first trip for IOE. When I asked about getting a hard line the following month due to still being in training I was told no.