G550av8r

Since the trend seems to be going towards ANC as the most junior domicile awarded amongst the recent new-hire classes, I thought I'd ask a few questions.

Is it feasible to commute to ANC as the junior guy, specifically from SoCal, LAX/ONT? Moving to base is not out of the question but most likely not an option.

Are pilots using crashpads or can they get away with a couple hotel nights a month.

What do some of the junior lines look like on the 74 and/or MD in ANC in terms of days on/off. How often could I expect to be home?

Many Thanks.

WhenPigsFLy

1. One MD a day to ANC from ONT. Three seats in the back and two in front. The company owns 2. I hear its full all the time and fills up within seconds once released to signup.
2. SEA to ANC is crazy. Horizon and Ak guys have priority. Many Horizon guys now and one of their feeders is also now on the list. Then add FedEx and UPS. In the winter flights are paired back by about a third and in the summer almost all full plus all the pilots going fishing/hunting/vacation to AK plus normal jumpseaters. Jet blue and UAL do seasonal service on a flight or two. Guys hate it. Many buy one way tickets
3. Junior of 74 and MD are res and VTO. Reserve is either 2 week on/off or week on/off. With new reserve rules they can keep out 2 days into days off FYI.
4. You do not want to no show res or trips at this company. After a couple times total in your career they will fire you. Its like no were else I['ve been.
5. If you live in SoCal, AA or SWA would be a great lifestyle. ANC is tough
6. I've seen many people move up here and after one winter the spouse sais no way. Also, I've see people just give up the commute and go back to ONT and SDF.

Hope that helps

But honestly if you have kids living in dom is the only way. But keep in mind many moved up here in 07 and then were furloughed and left in AK stranded and then when they were called back they gave them MIA or SDF and many commuted for many years or paid 30K to move to the lower 48.

whalesurfer

It's difficult as is and it'll be getting even more difficult as we're getting more -8s and thus more commuters to/from anc will be fighting for the jumpseats.

Couple hotel nights a month? For a junior guy?!? Sorry, maybe after a few years, or longer.. Initially no way in hell..
..Hotel room prices are seasonal and could cost $60 a night or $100, or more. Junior guys probably won't be able to hold reserve so it'll be base trip lines which are absolutely awful for commuting.
While on probation ALWAYS have a backup - or several backups! (off probation too but you get my point)
They won't hesitate to fire someone who caused a flight cancellation and the union won't be able to do a single thing for you.

Are you already hired? If so download an anc bid packet and see for yourself.. Don't know how to copy and paste trips here but it ain't pretty.

Ray Kinsella

It's doable. You must be on the ball though.

FTFF

I did do a thread on this a few days ago. Here is ANC bid awards for this current bid starting with the bottom guy:

ANC MD
80 slots, junior is pre2014 hire.

Reserve A, 2 week on off (RSA2W)
Shiftable A 2 week
Shiftable B 2 week
Shiftable A
And so on for the next few guys.

ANC 74
171 total
Junior is pre 2014 hire

RSA2W
VTO
RD2W
RA, 6 and 8 on/off
VTO
RD2W
VTO
Next bunch of guys got shiftable 2 week reserve

Base trips weren't junior in this bid.


I've heard guys using FedEx and ACMI too. We were going to do a skeleton move, put most of our stuff into storage, and give it a year or two up there. There are a bunch of guys with families that love living in ANC but they all seem to be the super outdoorsy type.

Walter White

No Commuter Clause?


Mr. White

Ray Kinsella

We do indeed have a commuter clause. However, I wouldn't want to have to use it in probation.

You really have to screw up to get fired at UPS. The crap some of us have gotten away with is staggering.

Swedish Blender

The company owns 3 with or without an IRO.

sandstorm

Just curious. ... since we're on the subject how would the commute be for a new hire out of ORD? Do you guys have high frequency between ORD and SDF or ANC?

BoilerUP

ORD-SDF has multiple flights most nights.

ORD-ANC, maybe American or United?