Tank21

I know it's been discussed in here but want to start a new thread on this topic...

I am a 2015 hire and currently living in the Panhandle of Florida (IAH based). The family and I enjoy living in Florida and I have the opportunity to move my USAFR job to SOCOM at MacDill AFB (Tampa).

I've looked up the number of daily flights to EWR, IAD, IAH and ORD and EWR looks the best. I've also looked at the daily flight loads to all and they are hit or miss on the number of empty seats, standby's and listed jumpseaters.

My question is for people who have or are doing it; if I were to move to Tampa, what is the commute like from MCO and/or TPA to any of the UAL bases?

Thanks...

Dave Fitzgerald

Good luck with the decision. One piece of advice, if possible, stay away from a commute that has RJ's. Mainline will be much more reliable. Plus, throw in a bit of weather, fuel, and an alternate, and the RJ's get weight restricted pretty fast. Not easily seen with the empty seats in back. Use caution.

pilotgolfer

Tank,

MCO commute is probably the most saturated with jumpseaters to all bases. Take a look at Tampa to Dulles. I have a friend that was living in base IAD and moved to TPA. I thought he was crazy but he says the commute has not been bad. He is a 2013 hire for comparisons sake. Send me a PM and maybe I can connect you with him if you want details.

rightside02

Pm me directly if you like. I have lived in TPA for 20 years and been doing this commute to Ewr for the last 2 ish and JFK/LGA for a lot longer.

I won’t sugar coat it , from TPA it’s very rough! Pretty much can’t rely on our own flights. Jetblue has 2 a day to EWR that most guys use as their back up which is often used. I don’t get left behind on our (United) flights too often but it’s not great to rely on them. Last min changes happen all the time . Including a very few who list for the jump seat at the last minute . Another issue we have VERY often out of TPA is the lack of International connections, when there is Flow restriction to EWR orlando and FLL are often given the go and TPA’s get delayed further cause we tend to have way less connecting people originating from TPA compared to say orlando. Less concern

From guys I fly with Orlando seems to be a way better commute . Seeing as you have UAL, SWA, NK and JB who all do the route so many more choices plus 756 on the united side which we only get seasonally in TPA . Way more flights to choose from in MCO but also a lot more commuters live there.

As mentioned feel free to reach out for more info , hope it helps.

On top of all the above , you’re senior to me. Plenty of reason for me to steer you outta TPA ☺️

Falcondrivr

I can’t jumpseat as I’m a part 91guy waiting for the hogan. But my wife has 29 years with delta. As a non-rev with that seniority, I have trouble getting out of Tampa to anywhere. I’ve imagined United is just as bad.
If I’m lucky enough to get on with United, I’ll be joining the que of people trying to get to EWR. I’ve been told it’s not fun.

Toucan

Does anyone have any recent updates to this question? Specifically TPA/EWR for UA.
Thanks

rightside02

TPA hasn’t changed much, we did get an extra flight from Jetblue both directions starting March , (prob seasonal)

the only really Change from when this thread started is United did Start a flight attendant base , I think around 90 total . Orlando FA base has 120 ish .

I would imagine that helped keeping some of the senior mamas off the TPA-EWR/IAH commute .

either way , the commute is doable but is one of the worst in our system . Orlando is better simply due to there being more options and more airlines going to EWR and LGA .

pm me if you have any other questions, glad to help .

Firefly899

Considering FL how is the JAX to EWR commute???

Itsajob

Almost all rj’s. Enjoy commuting with no real value to mainline seniority in the cockpit or the cabin.

Firefly899

Ok, since I am new here and not at that learning stage yet, is JAX doable or not doable?