Swedish Blender

There's RFD-ANC 4 or 5 times a week

Archie Bunker

Of course you can do it. I did it for over 8 years, almost bidding exclusively VTO lines. As a very junior guy like you, the actual commute isn't going to be anymore difficult than my commute...you'll just be doing it more often. Everything will depend on your schedule. Reserve lines are usually either 7 on, 7 off, or 14 on, 14 off. You might get lucky and get a VTO line. The beauty of VTOs is that one man's treasure is another man's garbage heap. I was bidding about 66% on available VTO lines, and getting some great trips.

At least you new guys are seeing movement on the seniority list, where you get to see yourself actually move up the list. My year group has been stuck in the same relative seniority for the better part of the last 10 years. Consider yourself lucky.

Dude, you need a crashpad (especially if you're sitting reserve). Forget about hotels on first year pay. Summer rates for hotels in ANC is cost prohibitive, and tough to get. Winter rates are much better, but are you prepared to pay $60-100 per night?

The most junior lines in ANC are pretty bad. If I got stuck with one, I would be a trip trading mofo, trying to consolidate that mess. How often you'll be home will vary bid period to bid period, depending on what you are awarded, and how well you trip trade.

WhenPigsFLy

If given a choice I would bid ONT if you live in SOCAL and SDF next.

J Dawg

UPS is very unique in the airline business in that jumpseat priority amongst line pilots is based on first come first serve, NOT on seniority like normal airlines.

So in that regard it does not matter if you are junior or senior.

mainlineAF

AA is first come first serve for the jumpseat and I believe DL is too.

767pilot

Fwiw, there is a 767 4 or 5 nights a week from EWR to ANC leaving at 1 am. Westbound only

Flybynight101

If you live near ORD, I'm pretty certain Atlas has a daily flight and it's almost always empty.

Elusive Napkin

There are a few flights per week down from Anchorage, but hardly any Northbound.

GIANT PILOT

If you want a ride on Atlas to ANC, CVG is your best bet. We have daily flights to ANC, sometimes twice daily.

iPilot6

So there are not many Atlas flights northbound ORD ANC? How about FDX ORD to ANC?