How bad is it commuting out of HSV? I’m considering applying to the airlines but I’ve read so many cautionary tales about commuter life. Where is your base and how hard is it to get to/from? Thanks!
Posted Aug 9, 2023, 5:31 PM UTC
I’m sure it has it’s ups and downs….
I thought they base people in larger cities with bigger airports
they do, but that doesn't mean that is where they have to reside, just where they have to report to work ~ same deal for flight attendants
They do, but Deff want to come home on off days. I was Chicago and flew home weekly, mow the grass. Sometimes just for 12 hrs
Commuting out of Huntsville can suck at times, I was flight attendant so could not take cockpit jump seat. Some airlines only let their own in cockpit though. I was first PIT based and would usually go through DCA, DIA, IAD or CLT. It once took me 19 hrs to get back, even had to bus from IAD to DCA. I later was based in ORD and it was not near as bad, I kept an apt there and sometimes just not come home if flights looked bad. If your based in DFW, ORD, CLT, IAH,DCA, IAD then it’s not so bad, connecting flights 🤬🤬
(not an airline pilot, just an interested onlooker)
Apply to Atlas and you'll be in base /s
The real problem isn't just the commute per se, of course, it's having to commute to sit reserve. How much you have to do that varies according to a bunch of factors.
Out of HSV, you can get direct flights to Houston, DFW, Denver, Charlotte, Atlanta, Detroit, and Chicago. All of those are bases for some airline or other. I didn't include flights on Breeze, Silver, or Frontier because I assume you want to actually get where you're supposed to be by your call time and not get stuck in the airport.
If you prioritize QOL, you will probably want to pick an airline where you'll be able to hold a base you can either commute to easily (so either driving distance or 1 direct flight from HSV) or would be willing to move to.
Atlas even makes you “no commute” on days off!
Yeah, I’ve done a lot of research and talked to many airline pilot friends, but I haven’t found anyone that commutes out of HSV specifically. The reliability of getting to ATL on jumpseat/reserve is my main concern.
I appreciate the response and like your username.