Tank21

Looking for peoples opinion on a matter:

320FO

- DCA 80% seniority with a built in family crash-pad if needed. Always near the G-Line, line holder in Jan and reserve in Feb.

- EWR 60% seniority with no crash pad (would have to pay for a hotel if needed). Would always be line holder.

Both are double commute.

Question is: would you stay in DCA or transfer to EWR.

MasterOfPuppets

Are you basing your percentage on projected numbers or current numbers?

DCA is shrinking if junior pilots leave you will fall in percentage.

EWR is not growing it's just a new hire place holder. You need to base the percentage off of the CA number which is 88.

Hotels in EWR are not that bad $90-100 out the door but remember you will. See to cover LGA. I haven't looked to see how much flying is in LGA but I'm betting it's more than what is in BWI.

BeeWatcher

Having been based in both I would go to EWR. You are more senior in EWR (and after this coming bid a "lot more" senior). I would also get a crash pad in EWR just to make life easier. Having a "good" line every month will make your life and commute easier and more predictable. A year from now I would guess that your DCA seniority will be unchanged whereas your EWR seniority will be sub 50%.

Tank21

Based on current numbers and where I would be in seniority for Jan and Feb.

Tank21

Any info on reasonable crash pads near EWR?

rp2pilot

Lots of crash pads in EWR, with transportation to/from airport provided. The real sticky part with EWR as previously alluded is LGA trips, particularly the early AM departures. Percentage varies month to month but it's generally around 30%. Since most people try to avoid it during bidding, the junior line holders and reserves get it disproportionally.

You can travel between EWR and LGA via train/bus, but that's not an option for a 5 am show time. Hotels around EWR are reasonable; hotels around LGA are around $180 / night out the door. The "lounge" in LGA is a couple of couches / recliners in a 12'x14' room right next to the ramp, so it's not really well suited for a full night's sleep. You do get cross town pay for LGA trips ($90) which just about offsets the cost of Uber to get there, but you still have to get up an hour earlier to make it over there.

I'm not as familiar with DCA/IAD, but the 320 does fly out of BWI as well as IAD. If you're thinking long term, try to pick a domicile where you might like to move to rather than doing a double commute. That will quickly get old (and make you grow prematurely old).

Tank21

Thanks for the info.

I'm hoping to get IAH (single commute) on this bid but have been trying that since I've been with UAL. I'm asking about EWR vs. DCA as a backup to not getting IAH and still having to double commute.

BeeWatcher

Well if that is your plan I would stay in DCA and try a base trade which might get you right to IAH sooner than the vacancy process...I would put in for a base trade today as the window just opened a few days ago...anyone in IAH that might want DCA is only going to get there (in the near term) via a base trade.

Airhogg

I'd say EWR, youll move up quicker and have more trip trade potential. It's fairly easy to get from Kennedy or LGA if that helps your commute, and there are quite a few crash pads and hotel options. Use Marriot code TVL or UAL. Marriotts run about $100 out the door. Good variety of flying on the 737.

130drvr

I stayed at BlockedInn for about two years. Newer condo, transportation provided, slightly more than the jam packed pads but worth it. Google BlockedInn.