Commuting for life?

[FilleBelle]

In talking about where we might eventually want to settle down, Kevin mentioned that one of his requirements in a permanent living situation is to be near whatever base he ends up at once he's gotten into the airline from which he intends on retiring. Did that make sense? He doesn't want to be 45 years old and commuting/spending time in crashpads/etc.

That makes perfect sense to me, but I'm also wondering how common that is. Do most senior pilots who have settled into their major airline live where they are based? Any idea if there are a bunch of them commuting?

Just idle curiosity.

[Roxswood]

There seem to be a lot of people do it both ways in Ryanair. Simon has come across quite a few senior captains who commute because they got an offer of promotion at a different base and already had children in school somewhere else for instance. Then again there seem to be plenty who get settled somewhere and don't move from that base then.

I don't know what we'll do as our children get older. Its not been easy on my daughter moving around following Daddy's career so far but then its harder on her when he's away and the less time I have with him at home the less in love with him I feel because I get resentful of struggling all the time on my own with the children. I daresay we'll probably just go wherever he gets based throughout his career as we're planning on homeschooling the girls anyway so won't have that issue.

[roz]

We've never chased metal because I've always had a career too. In these days, what is a permanent airline? What is a permanent base? It depends on your circumstances. DH has always commuted and probably always will.

[Regina]

My husband has been working for his airline for 10 years now, and he has commuted essentially, all the time. I think for the first 6 months he had his own apartment, but after that, he just commuted. It stunk, although we really don't know any difference than commuting to the base. When we were within driving distance to Cleveland, it was better, so much better. It was still about a 2 hour commute by car, but it was okay, especially on reserve. On the other hand, this commute of one leg just sucks when you have kids/family. He has to leave himself at least 2 flights, just in case, and that typically means that he leaves the house around 4 am on the first day. The really good trips (4 days worth 27 hours) are not commutable, so the guys living at the base are the ones that get those trips. As far as senior guys commuting, my husband sees a lot of senior guys commuting because, like mentioned, their wives and kids are already established somewhere. I am sure, with seniority schedules, it is better the longer you have been there, but still stinks. IF that is what you are used to though, you just deal with it.

[SWAFOWIFE]

Like Roz, we have never chased metal either. We have never moved in Dh's aviation career. Granted he has had some hell commutes ( 3 legs) but they are only temporary. Ultimately you have to live where you are most happy and where you have welcome support. Dh is now commuting 2 hrs by car which is about as good as it gets for us.

[Amanda]

When Nick was starting out he commuted and HATED IT! He was tired all the time and couldn't stand having to fly again to his home after his day was technically over.

I never followed him for 5+ years (I had/have a stable job and loved being in AZ). It was only when he got the job with Continental (the company he hopes to retire with) that we both decided to move back to the East Coast to be near his base and closer to family too. It also worked out since my company is based nearby so I took a transfer. I still miss AZ very much but living here is worth it since I see Nick all the time!

[roz]

Wow Amanda--and Nick is young to be tired all the time!

I guess this is just an illustration of the fact that it has to be for what works out for you individually. What is best for one is not best for another.

My DH never has had a problem with the commute. It is what it is. He's ~ 20 years older than Nick but used to it, so it's no problem for him. He's even looking into far longer commutes because of what he wants in his career.

Again, one can never hope to retire with a company because we are not in control--the company can be sold or go out of business and we are out of options. Look at which airlines were the premire airlines 25 years ago. Which still exist?

[Rebes]

We tried living in NJ near DH's EWR base. We thought we would be happier if we were close to his work. After trying it out for 3 years, we came to the conclusion that we would be happier near family, so we moved back to the DC area. DH says he is much happier, even as a commuter, and so am I. It seems most of the pilots DH flies with commute because they are older, and like someone else said, have established a life somwhere.

[Roxswood]

For us we have no support from family, we're without help wherever we go really and I don't work so its an easy decision. I can have DH home every night if I go with him though, or away 6 days, home 3 if I don't, so life is a million times easier and cheaper for us this way.

[Kristie]

Yup, we've always commuted...it's always been about QUALITY of life, not living just where you're based. Doug doesn't like any of the base cities anyways and since we wouldn't be happy there, why move there?

A lot of it really depends on my job... if i find a good stable job in a location we like, then poof, we stay because i'm the one driving 5 days a week to work whereas all he has to do is be somewhat close to a major airport to grab a ride.

Once you're senior enough, it's MEGA easy (at least it is for us) to get the jumpseat or be higher up on the non-rev totem pole and he gets to choose the lines he wants which means NO crashpad at all and very commutable trips.

it's all in what you want...where you want to live and compromising!!! Don't let him pick and choose where you're going to live, it's a team effort.

personally, i don't think it's that healthy (financially, mentally or physically) to be moving around all the time chasing bases. bases open, bases close....but being happy living where you like is priceless!!