Looking for info from current UPS pilots at ONT, or better yet, pilots who have to commute to ONT. I've heard the schedule can be tougher than other locations. Honestly, that assessment is very anecdotal, so I can't elaborate on why some folks say that. Hence this thread. If anyone can shed some light on ONT, it's schedule and workload when compared to MIA and SDF, and especially so from that of a commuter's perspective, that'd be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Ontario skeds have been in a state of flux the last six months with the de-peaking of the SDF sort. More little flights, like PHX-BFI and MCO-MCI that don't touch a major sort. And we've been doing a bunch of turns out of SDF, occasionally two in the same duty period. Anyway, there's something for everybody at ONT, the only question is if your seniority can hold what you want. Generally, if there's a UPS flight to ONT from where you live, you're in great shape. A commute from PNS or SAT will suck regardless of your seniority. And regardless of your airline, too, come to think of it. If you're junior but want Asia flying, your best bet will be the VTO's, which are a box of chocolates. If you're junior but are happy to do airport standby you're in luck. Lastly, in general the skeds have been sliding downhill over the last year. The crews are awesome, hand on the heart, and that can make all the difference. Of 100+ captains, the number I'd prefer to not fly with is one, maybe two.

Looking at the MIA schedules, from the point of view of a commuter, that can be held by the lower half of the MIA list, a dog's breakfast comes to mind. If you live in domicile and are a vampire they're the best you've ever seen.

In any event, if you're asking this question, you're probably going to retire rich, so please keep that in mind. And this is all coming from an above-average whiner.

Best wishes to you, and as always, YMMV.

 

One piece of evidence, when I was in ANC on the Whale I flew with several guys who lived in SoCal and been ONT based and chose to commute to ANC. In some cases they had been riffed up there and chose to stay.

Also, based on chatter there is also a dearth of crashpads because the costs are prohibitive.


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Anecdotally still current view by many west coasters.

 

Thanks, gents. Great info and I appreciate it. So you know, I'm asking because I'm currently slated for the Dec New Hire class and am trying to build my clue bag on what I should push for w.r.t. aircraft/base. I'm stuck commuting from central OK for the next 2.5 years due to high school-aged children. On top of that, I'm originally from SoCal and can see the possibility of sitting Reserve from my hometown, for as long as I'll need/want to sit Reserve. However, the thought of commuting from OKC, TUL or ICT to ONT sounds a bit daunting, at least on UPS JS's. I know I can rely on pax rides, but I think I'd be nervous relying on that mode of trans for my probation year. Finally, after the kids are out of high school, I can see myself moving West more so than I see myself moving East towards SDF. If you have any more inputs based on my diatribe above, I'd love to hear it. Thanks again.

 

As a new hire (MD11 ANC)who commutes from the Denver area, I would tell you that getting to ANC hasn’t been too bad. Getting home has become somewhat painful, but not awful. Anecdotally, the last time I passed through ONT, the ONT crews weren’t too happy with how their bid pack has evolved over the past 6 months. Conversely in ANC, I’ve been able to hold VTO lines that only require one or occasionally two commutes per month. Keep in mind, that has meant 10-14 day trips. Congratulations on getting a class date. UPS has been a great place to work so far.

 

If I was in your shoes I’d bid everything SDF followed by ONT if you have the choice. They have been putting the ANC folks in a class a day ahead of everybody else but it also means those folks don’t get a choice for first 18 months.


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I believe it, sounds like they are exploiting a loophole with turns out of SDF by ONT crews.


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Thanks again, gents. All good info. Here's a fairly random question...Does anyone know an ONT-based pilot who lives in Las Vegas? I still have a house there and can see us relocating to Vegas after I've had my fill of Oklahoma. I'd like to bend that person's ear about what it's like to commute out of Vegas. It seems pretty easy, on pax airlines. Not so much on UPS JS's.

 

tkrdrvr, do you mind me asking how you typically commute to/from ANC? I'm guessing you use pax airlines primarily...? Can you tell me why it's been difficult at times getting back to Denver from ANC? Thanks.