I’ve been commuting for 20 years, never regretted not moving to base!!

 

Textbook definition of an outlier. I tip my hat to you!

 

I would go if you don't want to move. I am commuting to EWR and everyday I ask myself why.

 

Twenty nine for me and no regrets either.

 

If you leave for SWA you’ll make those below you at UAL happy. Do yourself a favor and check the seniority list at SWA, especially the average ages of those who are Captains. I assume at some point you want to be the left seat some day?

Personally I don’t like commuting and I commute. Reason: no international wide body flying with associated days off in DEN.

 

The main points have been made already. But, likely this is a kitchen table discussion with your significant other. The seniority spectrum will continue to move at both airlines, and with only 1.5 years invested at UAL you haven't wasted any significant time at the U.

I used to do a double commute to both EWR and CLE out of BTR and MSY. It was a hard life. That was before having kids. If you have a family, then the decision is easy. What was helpful to me was we wanted to leave S. Louisiana, so moving to a CAL base in the mid 90's was an easy decision as long as it didn't involve a snow shovel.

If you live in the MCO area and you want to stay there then it's an easy choice I think. I recall a guy at CAL that was a 17 year pilot who left for SWA. Don't know how it turned out, but here's the kicker; he lived in Chicago and his wife gave him an ultimatum to live in base. Too bad he didn't get a heads up on the merger.....

 

Florida bases will also be more senior due to tax reasons as people progress down the seniority list and start making more they start looking for ways to send less to uncle sam. You are looking at 6 months to a year to hold MCO at SWA and then you are low man on the totem pole forever. It is the second most senior base there, much longer upgrade, much longer reserve, and always on the 737. I can't look that far down the road but you are probably looking at (WAG) an additional decade in the right seat at SWA vs UAL if you are holding out for MCO. Some of my friends that were hired recently are projecting a 12-15 yr upgrade from a somewhat pessimistic viewpoint. That is probably a 1.5 million dollar difference in income if you bid earliest upgrade at UAL. If you don't take the earliest upgrade you will still have a better QOL vs SWA by being a much higher % FO in a very junior base like EWR (10% EWR @ UAL vs 50% MCO @ SWA). Driving to work is awesome but driving to work 15 days a month vs commuting to 12-13 days a month... that to me seems like a wash.

Does your SO work? Will she down the road when you are making more or have kids or dislikes her job? Is money involved in this equation? The career potential before you at United is pretty staggering if the party continues a few more years. I am senior to you by about 6 months and in EWR on the 73 I can trade for 18-20 days off and about 70-75 credit every month.

Commuting sucks but your earnings at United will be easier on your body and this is a marathon when you get in it at such a young age. You will burn yourself out flying 80-90 hrs of multi-leg days at SWA. You can also find a more diverse fleet and trip mix to fit your interests at UAL. I think in the near term the earnings difference between SWA and UAL is negligible but the type and variety of flying is completely different and you will be paid more to commute in the long run. You will have the same tax benefits of living in Florida while being based in EWR and not paying the 6.5% income tax in NJ which makes EWR a junior base which will pay dividends your whole career. Even if you bought tickets and stayed at the Marriot before trips you are still ahead in career earnings.

I rambled but either one is a pretty great spot to be but it really comes down to what you want out of life. UAL could buy Frontier tomorrow and bam... MCO here you come. This industry is nuts.

 

Aquaticus made a good point if money is not a huge issue you can buy tickets for your commute through MyTravel Discounts on Flying Together under the Travel tab.

I just priced out Next Thur 5/24 with a return on Sun 5/27. The priciest ticket is $200 round trip.

You will get a large pay raise going from year 2 to year 3 use that raise to relive your stress on the days that it looks like the commute is going to be tough. I do this to SFO on occasion, takes alot of stress off.

 

If you’re referrring to JR, there is WAY more to the story than that.

 

Aquatics post was one of the best breakdowns of your situation. I live in a Southwest and AA base and I have not once thought about leaving United for those airlines. I would love to drive to work but I am very happy with the QOL and quality while working that United offers. My wife and I take full advantage of the great travel network and benefits.

The pay at year 4 allows me to without guilt buy a ticket when I know the commute is good to be rough. Really helps bring the stress level down when I show up in a Polo shirt to the gate nice and chilled out with my assigned seat on a full flight and see 7-9 other pilots standing around with that look on their face.

Since we are on the topic of commuting from FL. Anyone have experience with TPA-EWR/IAH/IAD?