Hawaii commute...
 

What would the commute be like living in Hawaii?

Anyone out there done this?

LAX, SFO, or GUM?

I guess that's part of the question actually. GUM would be way too senior for this mere mortal or we'd just move there (maybe some day).

SFO should be easy to hold. I'm a new hire on the 737. Not sure about LAX.

I've tried jumpseating multiple times out to HNL and it has been a horrendous experience every time. So many standby passengers, and amongst them always lives another pilot who competes for the jumpseat while going on vacation with his family. I cannot imagine repeating that experience 8 times a month.

Yeah, I just looked at some flights, just a quick snapshot, and they seemed pretty open. I thought it was too good to be true.

I appreciate the insight.

Certain times of the year the flights WILL be wide open but in "season" it would be the hardest commute you could imagine even WITH seniority.

When is "in season". Thought now would be a pretty popular time. I'd love to be there right now.

Hawaii in general is pretty rough for standby. And there ARE a bunch of pilots trying to get too and from for various reasons. That being said, there are a LOT of flights.... particularly to LAX. So as long as you are conservative, it should be doable. I rarely rarely have anyone in the actual jump on my flights.

Peak season is summer and spring break. You'll also find it tough around the holidays, but usually only in one direction. For example, you would have NO problem getting to Hawaii right now. But try to come back this weekend? Ummm.... gonna be tough.

Just keep in mind that many of the airplanes going back and forth now are 737's. That jumpseat SUCKS for 5 hours.

I have been commuting to or from Honolulu since 1981.Your butt is going to take the shape of a jumpsuit. Last 11 years I was based in EWR 1 commute a month. It is very doable, but you have to have the right state of mind.

See you on the jumpsuit. By the way we have over 50 active pilots still living in Hawaii.

All great info guys. I appreciate all the constructive information and opinions. Decisions.