Truth about Commuting
01-04-2007, 04:37 PM
#1
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Position: 747 FO
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Truth about Commuting
If I get a job at XJT and manage to get IAH, I might have to commute from TUS (for a year or two).
A look at the schedule shows 10+ flights on Continental from TUS to IAH everyday. If am trapped in TUS due to weather or a bent jet; how does the company treat that? Are commuters protected? Or would that be a late or no-show?
So would I really be looking at staying in a hotel/crash pad the night before a trip was to begin?
thanks for the help.
A look at the schedule shows 10+ flights on Continental from TUS to IAH everyday. If am trapped in TUS due to weather or a bent jet; how does the company treat that? Are commuters protected? Or would that be a late or no-show?
So would I really be looking at staying in a hotel/crash pad the night before a trip was to begin?
thanks for the help.
01-04-2007, 04:52 PM
#2
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Position: 7ER B...whatever that means.
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XJT does have a commuter policy that protects you if you can't get to work, assuming you exercise some good faith and common sense. The policy is a little confusing at first glance but here it is in a nutshell:
A pilot must be listed in the reservations system on flights that:
a. have adequate seats within 24 hours of scheduled departure;
b. have reasonable weather at the departure, destination and enroute, and;
c. are scheduled to arrive at the airport the pilot is assigned at a reasonable time prior to the start of a pilot's duty
If it becomes clear that you may not be able to report for duty as scheduled due to unforecast weather, maintenance, cancellation, delays or seat availability then you are under obligation to inform crew scheduling so that the trip may be re-crewed. You are still expected to make every effort to get to your base to start your duty period.
You are not pay protected for your trip or any portion you miss if you are unable to make it. If your trip returns to your base then crew scheduling has to let you pick up the rest of your trip. If your trip does not return to your base then you may pick up open time.
Where I have heard of most people having problems with this policy is in the documentation phase. The burden of proof is on YOU to show that you met the requirements of the policy. It also says that if you have a demonstrated pattern of missed trips then you will lose the ability to use the policy (never heard of it happening). The company has to inform you in writing if you are no longer able to use the commuter clause.
a. have adequate seats within 24 hours of scheduled departure;
b. have reasonable weather at the departure, destination and enroute, and;
c. are scheduled to arrive at the airport the pilot is assigned at a reasonable time prior to the start of a pilot's duty
If it becomes clear that you may not be able to report for duty as scheduled due to unforecast weather, maintenance, cancellation, delays or seat availability then you are under obligation to inform crew scheduling so that the trip may be re-crewed. You are still expected to make every effort to get to your base to start your duty period.
You are not pay protected for your trip or any portion you miss if you are unable to make it. If your trip returns to your base then crew scheduling has to let you pick up the rest of your trip. If your trip does not return to your base then you may pick up open time.
01-04-2007, 05:03 PM
#3
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Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: 747 FO
Posts: 175
Thanks. That seems more than fair. I guess you could just print out your "reservation" or screenshot whatever program you use.
It doesn't look to painful to commute from TUS-IAH. That's pretty good news. Now I just have to get the job...
It doesn't look to painful to commute from TUS-IAH. That's pretty good news. Now I just have to get the job...
01-04-2007, 06:14 PM
#4
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Position: ERJ FO
Posts: 1,276
The truth about commuting is that it sucks. It cuts into your time off and can get pretty stressful...especially if you're on a route that a lot of pilots commute along that is only served by 1-2 airlines. I commute and i wish i didn't...but where i live is too important for me to give up.
Most places have a commuter clause...I haven't had to use mine (yet) but I'm sure I will at some point. Sounds like XJT's is pretty decent. Do you guys have a limit on how many times a pilot can use that clause?
Worst comes to worst, cough into the phone and go back home
Most places have a commuter clause...I haven't had to use mine (yet) but I'm sure I will at some point. Sounds like XJT's is pretty decent. Do you guys have a limit on how many times a pilot can use that clause?
Worst comes to worst, cough into the phone and go back home
01-04-2007, 06:17 PM
#5
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Position: 7ER B...whatever that means.
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The truth about commuting is that it sucks. It cuts into your time off and can get pretty stressful...especially if you're on a route that a lot of pilots commute along that is only served by 1-2 airlines. I commute and i wish i didn't...but where i live is too important for me to give up.
Most places have a commuter clause...I haven't had to use mine (yet) but I'm sure I will at some point. Sounds like XJT's is pretty decent. Do you guys have a limit on how many times a pilot can use that clause?
Worst comes to worst, cough into the phone and go back home
Most places have a commuter clause...I haven't had to use mine (yet) but I'm sure I will at some point. Sounds like XJT's is pretty decent. Do you guys have a limit on how many times a pilot can use that clause?
Worst comes to worst, cough into the phone and go back home
And believe the guy, or any guy, who tells you that commuting sucks. I don't know how many pilots commute out of TUS but you may have some competition.
01-04-2007, 06:18 PM
#6
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Sounds about right. Us kids over at CHQ get 2 every 6 months...although I have no idea what happens if you use more than 2.
01-04-2007, 06:20 PM
#7
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I know for XJT, after 4 sick calls in a 12 month period you will more than likely have to talk to a chief pilot and will require proof (doctor's note) of subsequent sick calls.
01-04-2007, 06:45 PM
#8
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I work for XJT and commute from SLC-IAH, and it's difficult. I love this area, and dread the thought of moving to the stink hole that is IAH, but the commute is always on my mind on my days off and it's wearing on me quickly. I'm always having to worry about weather, watch the loads, etc. It's like a second job. I lose several days off each month trying to get to and from work. It would help if we had more flights outta here, but theres only 2 or 3 on CAL, and one or two on XJT, and all of them are usually full, especially in ski season. Lately I've been jumping to DEN then to IAH to get work. It sounds like there are more flights out of TUS, so maybe it won't be so bad for you. It's nice to have the commuter clause if you need it, but like someone said the burden is on you to document it. No doubt about it, commuting sucks a mountain of arse.
01-04-2007, 06:59 PM
#9
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
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Posts: 40,107
Rick's laws of commuting...
1) Single Leg Only
2) Multiple company/codeshare flights daily (3+)
3) At least one other airline (preferably SWA) with flights to your domicile. This keeps you out of trouble when one company flight cancels and the pax get rebooked on the later flights, filling all seats...then you get bumped out of the jumpseat by a mainline guy. If this happens RUN, do not walk to the SWA gates...senior company and mainline guys can bump you on company iron, but not on SWA...first come, first served!
4) Single Leg Only
5) If you live in Cali, beware the marine layer/ground fog...it can CLOSE the airport
1) Single Leg Only
2) Multiple company/codeshare flights daily (3+)
3) At least one other airline (preferably SWA) with flights to your domicile. This keeps you out of trouble when one company flight cancels and the pax get rebooked on the later flights, filling all seats...then you get bumped out of the jumpseat by a mainline guy. If this happens RUN, do not walk to the SWA gates...senior company and mainline guys can bump you on company iron, but not on SWA...first come, first served!
4) Single Leg Only
5) If you live in Cali, beware the marine layer/ground fog...it can CLOSE the airport
01-04-2007, 07:01 PM
#10
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 40,107
I work for XJT and commute from SLC-IAH, and it's difficult. I love this area, and dread the thought of moving to the stink hole that is IAH, but the commute is always on my mind on my days off and it's wearing on me quickly. I'm always having to worry about weather, watch the loads, etc. It's like a second job. I lose several days off each month trying to get to and from work. It would help if we had more flights outta here, but theres only 2 or 3 on CAL, and one or two on XJT, and all of them are usually full, especially in ski season. Lately I've been jumping to DEN then to IAH to get work. It sounds like there are more flights out of TUS, so maybe it won't be so bad for you. It's nice to have the commuter clause if you need it, but like someone said the burden is on you to document it. No doubt about it, commuting sucks a mountain of arse.
I lost interest in CAL after I researched the IAH-Cali commute...brutal.
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