oldmako

Its funny how an 80 degree day in Feb (FL) can put the hassle of commuting in a different perspective when DC has two feet of snow in its forecast.

Commuting didn't use to be such a monumental hassle. Perhaps this is why you see so many older guys doing it. Particularly those flying international with late show times and early releases. But after 911 the dynamic changed when the company loaned the RJ's hundreds of city pairs. That and record load factors affecting all flights really dicked up commuting.

Its a tough choice. Good luck.

Sunvox

And that's what makes life wonderful! Something for all of us.

Me, I enjoy walking my dogs in the woods after a snowfall, starting a fire, and reading a good book by the flames, and skiing on a bright sunny morning.

You could put a 777 base in Miami and offer my the number one captain slot, and I still wouldn't move to Florida, and I am certain most folks living in Florida feel the same about where I live, but like I said that's what makes life grand!



Back to the OP though . . .

I think the post showing the 1 year position is very interesting. First I think the SFO numbers won't hold, but I find the EWR 320 number interesting. I would guess with 9 more planes comin in 2016 and perhaps another 10 to 15 additional after that it looks like that might be the fastest moving position. I would note that on the captain's side EWR320 is ever so slightly senior to EWR737 so I don't think it's a reflection on bad trips. In addition, I've flown Boeing's my whole career, but if I were starting out and had a choice my preference would be Airbus because the cockpit is much much nicer and the workload is way less because the automation is infinitely higher on the 320 versus the 737. Tough choices for sure, but all good choices to have!!

reelbigchair

I disagree about SFO, lots more unfilled bids there, difficult commute for anyone east at all. It will continue to get more and more junior on the junior seats. Looks like LAX is gonna start getting pretty junior as well.


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Count Dracula

I just finished Indoc and got EWR 320. I sure hope it grows fast as I am commuting from CLT.

130drvr

Welcome! Wear your half wing proudly and enjoy free beer and meals.

UAL97

I was hired last April and am bidding about 40% in EWR on the 320. You're in a good spot. Welcome aboard!

Count Dracula

Thanks....looking forward to it. Any recommendations on crash pads?

bkC130

Thanks for all the great information folks. I'm warming up to the idea of STL-EWR and STL-LGA commutes actually being easier than STL-ORD....an extra hour+ each way but likely full-size commuter-friendly WN birds with perhaps fewer overall commuters?

I've been bouncing back and forth on 320 vs 737 still. An EWR 320 FO new hire bud who only hit IOE in late October just notched his first hard line for Feb and is a crazy ~80 of 155 (~55%) base seniority already, however at his overall company seniority while he'd be about 10-20% lower EWR 737 seniority he'd also be holding a line there as I looked at that Feb bid package. Looking at the EWR 737 lines vs. EWR 320, there are some rougher 737 redeyes and transcons (5-6 hr blocks) but guppy books almost 10 more hours (~86 vs. 76) and 20-40 block hours of international time...that's an extra $1,000.mo before dinner/bar tabs. The standard EWR 320 trips look like 3-days with 2-hops that average closer to 2-3 hour flights each and overnight in smaller cities....looks like a decidedly "easier" flying schedule than the 737 and a couple more days off too.

I'm thinking the other variable is how long I'd want to remain in either narrowbody out of the gate. I think there will perhaps be stronger movement in the 320 during 2016 with all the new A319s delivering, but if I'm thinking 2-3 years the 737 could overtake the bus when all the 2017 -700 deliveries begin? Am i right that the 2 x -900s (Jan & Feb) are the only guppy fleet gains for the rest of 2016? If we don't move to a domicile in Summer '17, I definitely won't vacancy bid bigger equipment until I can hold a line as a commuter.

It may be a coin toss on ball night....first world problem right?! Looking forward to a great career at United. Thanks again, BK

oldmako

If it's a coin toss, toss that coin toward the bus.

SpecialTracking

I agree with James. Take the Bus.