Something to consider if you can be without your car for a week or two after training...

You can usually ship a car for cheaper then your time to drive it and the true cost of operating the vehicle. In my scenario, it's 1100 mile drive, but about $750 to ship the car. If I drove it, the true cost would would be maybe 25cents per mile (and I drive a hybrid), plus a hotel and gas station food. I'd rather go home and later using those two days pick up a premium worth $3500 (senior FO rates).

Downside, you need a place where you can leave the car and someone to hand the keys. Also you need some flexibility, to keep the cost down. A scheduled pickup is much more expensive.

I plan to do this during Captain upgrade, or possibly buy a car in Dallas (the land of rust free cars) and ship it home at the end of the course. Being in Dallas for a long time without a car is really trying.

 

maybe one could buy an "airport car" and leave it at the hotel for others to use for a small fee? I know I'd put in for something like that.

 

All I can say is that if I was a new-hire, there’s no way I’d be stuck in Dallas without wheels for that long. Seriously, I’d blow my brains out (but at least most of you would move up a number).

If you’re not going to drive your car to Dallas then there will be plenty of fellow classmates that will be looking to split a long-term rental. Split one four ways and it’s ridiculously affordable. Boom. Done.

 

The DART system is really great if you have the time.

 

Get to make some new friends as well. Most of them just there to sleep, but occasionally you get a talker.

 

+1
I did learn a valuable lesson though. Get on at the front of the train. I boarded on the last car…. The people in the car put down their crack pipes and all stared right at me….. it was just a bit awkward…. No joke!

 

Agreed. This town is horrible to get around in and the hotel is not exactly in the "heart" of it all. Its not a bad location, but not super easy to walk anywhere meaningful like a grocery store. Having a car is a huge boon and will make training just a little more bearable.

 

The cost to rent a car will also be offset by savings on cheaper restaurants that will be within reach & also being able to get groceries.

You might however consider donating at least part of those savings to the local ladies who are trying to put themselves through college 😬

 

support your local ballet.

 

I did it, just got the call with the CJO!