That’s gotta get exhausting with how technical the Sierras are. Can’t exaclty just set the cruise and roll.

 

Classing up soon. Planning on commuting from RNO to SFO.

How is the commute these days? Based on everything I've been able to find, it seems like chances are low of reliably getting on a flight out of RNO.

Thanks!

 

Correct. Many drive, only the more senior try to fly every now and then. Have to have backups too. If you're going to be on reserve, not really doable on short call. Too far.

 

Even as a senior pilot you can be pretty far back in line to some of the more permanently enduring FA’s commuting out of Reno. Add to that the inconsistency of the crappy RJ’s, density altitude issues in the summer, fog and visibility issues in SFO, and getting bumped out of the jumpseat at the last minute by a 12 year-old Skywest FO and I’d say the chances of “reliably” getting on a flight are about nil. It’s never completely reliable. As a reserve on your way to FSB or the hotel you probably have a little buffer so you can usually back it up pretty easily by driving (except in winter over Donner because, well, the Donner Party) but as a line holder driving all the time would get really old. I honestly couldn’t imagine doing the RNO commute my whole career, but if you do, just keep telling yourself that it pays for itself in tax breaks (maybe).

 

I would say its 50/50 drive and fly. Flying is not always free.

 

Consider living halfway down the hill and drive it, home prices are probably cheaper then RNO now and you'll get some trees.

 

Maybe LAX might be better. There use to be more flights a day between UAX/Eagle/Southwest to LAX. Don’t know now. But it might be worth looking into. LAX guppy seems to be as junior as SFO.

 

Agreed. You’ll spend way more on hotels, gas, car depreciation, opportunity cost of missed premium pay, and most importantly your time than you’ll ever spend on CA income taxes.

Live where you want to live.

 

and no one “wants” to live in Reno. They just live there because they think they are saving a bunch of money on taxes.

 

Living in Las Vegas has been pretty nice, but just out of curiosity, looked at home prices in Reno/Carson City (online). Had no idea how much they’ve risen.