MrIceCreamMan

Thanks! This is helpful. I assume it gets easier with more seniority and slightly more control over your schedule?

CX500T

I'm 80% in category. A 55 mile drive even in NYC traffic is easier and more time at home than any air commute at Delta when you factor in our backup requirements. I still prefer 3-5 day trips do I don't have to drive in more than 3-4 times a month. That said I used to have a 60 mile each way commute to a 9-5 engineering job in Boston.

I normally volunteer for short call when reserve. Extra hour pay for not having a beer and staying semi close to home.

Sliceback

So you've really got a 1+20 drive....and 2+30 in rush hour.

Leave home 3+30 prior to sign-in on rush hour days (non-holiday weekends), and even sooner on a slightly worse day, and you should make sign-in. Add a bunch more time on holidays. Late for sign-in but still left on time is no foul.

Knew a couple guys that did 4-4.5 hrs. Ugh. Having lunch with one of them tomorrow. His was probably more like 4:45. He eventually switched to bus/train and his wife would pick him up (the last 30-45 minutes?).

1+20? Grip 'em and rip 'em.

sailingfun

You will have no issues and can sit shortcall at home. You will also enjoy a more rapid career progression since as you mentioned EWR is a junior base.

20-A-4-a A Reserve in a Short Call window or a Lineholder in a telephone availability window must be able to report for duty (call-out time), including to a Field Standby assignment, no more than two hours and thirty minutes (2:30) after the Company's initial attempt at contact. Consideration shall be given to heavy traffic, construction, and similar circumstances. When the call-out time is less than three (3) hours, to effectuate an on-time Departure or a Field Standby report time, the Pilot may elect to pay for parking closer to the terminal and shall be reimbursed for such expense. Additionally, at Bases with co-terminals, consideration shall be given if the Pilot is given an assignment that reports at an airport that is not the primary airport of the Base.

MrIceCreamMan

All great feedback! I'm still not sold on the location I'm focused on now, but having this information is valuable as I continue the search. Hopefully, someone else will see this and find it useful as well!