Commuting from SLC
 

It looks like new hires are going mostly to SFO and EWR....Just wondering how hard it would be to be a commute from SLC to SFO as a new guy sitting reserve?

There's a small chunk of commuters out of SLC to SFO, LAX and a couple to DEN. About 10 flights a day, mostly Skywest and Delta to SFO. Delta, SW, Alaska, AA (Compass) and UA Express to LAX- 18 flights a day. There's only 2-3 flights that get you to SFO before 10AM, but LAX you have more options.

When the weather sucks in SFO the commute gets challenging. United loves to cancel the last SFO-SLC. Alaska flight 744, the last SFO-SLC (usually) will almost always go, even if it's delayed 4+hours.

I've missed a couple flights here and there, but never had a no-show for a trip.

Long Call from SLC is not really doable for an early AM departure. I'd definitely recommend a crashpad.

Thanks RV! If I get hired it sounds like a west coast crash pad is probably in my future until I can hold a line.

How long can an new hire expect to be on reserve at SFO?

My WAG would be 4 to 6 months at the most, but probably a year to hold a line with all trips being a same day commute. But it could happen sooner, things are moving pretty good right now. You will gain seniority much faster at SFO though. Some guys in your shoes will bid back and forth (LAX & SFO) in order to get the 3 extra transfer days each time they switch their base.

SFO is the most junior and fastest to a line; around tied with EWR I believe. However, just be aware that it feels like the brakes are being tapped a bit. I wouldn't be surprised to see reserve times creep up several months. Just in case, is plan on being on reserve 6-10 months and hopefully it'll be much less

You can always do what I did years ago. Bid LAX and get a crashpad on the beach and enjoy reserve.

Somewhere between 4 months, and 17 years.

Thanks Probe for nothing other than a sarcastic response that made me laugh

That wasn't sarcasm.

Now that made me laugh.