Swakid8

That email went out because the old EWR chief was catching it from the company. He was doing his best to shield the pilot group from the company understanding the difficulties of EWR. He left his position not too long afterwards….

PossibleDeviation

We have a commuter policy for a reason; to cover difficulties experienced while commuting. There should be no questions asked if you're legitimately trying to get to work but just cannot due to extenuating circumstances.

It's pretty sad that this is the attitude here. We are professionals and should be treated as such.

JurgenKlopp

Fwiw 'legally' speaking the full name L's tenure is mercfully about done

Swakid8

I don't disagree with you one bit and this is what I thought when I heard the SFO CPO threats over commuting during the base visit...l

Excargodog

If you let them run roughshod over any part of the contract they'll do it in other parts. That's why there IS a contract.

Turbosina

And I'd say that's a fair and understandable policy.

On the other hand, when a guy tries and fails to get on 7 flights in the same day to get to work, I'd say he was doing his best as a professional and shouldn't be penalized. If anyone takes that logic to its extreme, then commuting as we know it would be impossible. IROPS happen, planes break, airports close for hours because someone forgot their backpack in the coffee shop and the TSA thinks it's an IED, etc. That's why there is a commuter policy.

Having said that, I understand that some policies don't really apply while on probation. Commuting appears to be one of them. That's good knowledge to have, I suppose.

SoFloFlyer

At some point you’d think that your friend would’ve bought a ticket with their discount. Mainly because it’s probation year. Could possibly call CS and see if they’re willing to PS him/her. If they need you bad enough, they’ll do it

SoFloFlyer

If you know a storm is going to hit your base and cause disruptions/delays/cancellations, you should do the professional thing and go in early and be in position when you have to be. Waiting day of to commute knowing better isn’t okay either

Outside of that, normal day with good weather and you don’t make it to work after a few tries, no one will say anything

Turbosina

Yup, I hear ya. I have no problem buying tickets/ using miles / paying for hotels, to get to work. What I'm mostly focused on is trying to understand how to pick up reserve trips so I'm not sitting around in a hotel unused. I like flying; I just don't like sitting in a hotel for 5 days. The info in this thread has been excellent.

I'm also learning more about what is considered a reasonable attempt to get to work. At first I thought it was the commuter policy (which I think is very fair and reasonable.) However I now understand that policy doesn't apply to probies like myself. It's good information to have and I will plan accordingly.

Hopefully we have a big vacancy bid soon though!

CaseTractor

A fellow commuter suggested to me to get the United Club card. It was helpful for me at least and want to share with others. It's a pricy annual fee, but great benifits. I keep my uniform in ops and travel in comfortable clothes; ie don't look like a pilot at all when utilizing the club. So, that affords you the opportunity to hang out in the club before and after trips, or even on short call. Saving money on food and drinks goes a long way. There are healthy options, but they can get monotonous overtime.

Also, I suggest the Marriott Bonvoy card. Again, pricy, but allows access to things like the lounge and breakfast at many properties, both commuting and on trips. It saves money overall and you get rewards for it. Again, don't ask for these benefits at check in while in uniform can go a long way at certain properties.

Commuting sucks, is expensive, and can be mentally challenging, especially on the days things don't go your way. These two options I have found to make it more restful, less stress, and even times enjoyable. You are gone either way, might as well control the conditions you can while away.

All of my experience has been with the 12 hour long call commuting on weight limited RJs or a 4 hour drive. Coming in a day early or very much earlier flight in the day to avoid the drive have been routine. I'm not sure how the 18 hour call out will affect this strategy or usefulness of my acces to these benefits.