Anyone here ever commute?

[OneBadLT123]

So, as you may know it life gets in the way of everything, and I am debating on commuting back and forth to work. (combination of family/personal reasons)

I am thinking about doing the MSP-ORD commute, we are in CASS, and I know there are a lot of options to/from ORD or MDW to MSP. (UA, SWA, AA, DAL..All of which we have agreements with)

We get 4 day off breaks so it is doable day wise, but just wondering if anyone here tried the commuter thing from a dispatchers perspective? How did it go? What was your personal experience? etc... Any information and experiences are greatly appreciated.

Living arrangements are not an issue at either station.

DX Safe!

 

[OneBadLT123]

nobody huh? Am I the only one crazy enough to consider it? Haha

 

[UALX727]

I have lived in base for years and also commuted for years. I can say hands down it is MUCH easier to live in base. Of course this is coming from a pilot. If you can tolerate where you are at I would stay put.

 

[SKC]

When RD relocated from ICT to RFD in 06, I did the commute thing for 9 months as I didn't want any part of living in IL in the winter. I was hoping it was going to just be a temporary thing until something else came along.

RFD wasn't the easiest to get in and out of, but it worked out ok most of the time. I either had to fly RFD-DEN-ICT or ORD-ICT. If I flew out of ORD I just took the bus from RFD to ORD. There was only once during that time when I couldn't get into RFD, ORD, or MDW and had to fly to MKE on F9 and rent a car.

I just planned to get back to RFD the day prior to my scheduled shift as I didn't want to deal with a delayed flight screwing me over.

We worked a 4-4 schedule and about every other week would trade a day to get 5 off.

It worked for the time being, but no way would I have done it much longer.

 

[Mercyful Fate]

Yea, I would think a commute after a while would be more stress than what it is worth...

 

[OneBadLT123]

I figured an MSP - ORD one wouldn't be too bad, and wost case scenario, its only about a 5 hours drive if I absolutely needed to.

Unfortunately, the woman has some medical issues that need to be taken care of in MSP, so it still is a possibility. It's still out there and I have a couple months to come up with a plan

 

[Mercyful Fate]

I figured an MSP - ORD one wouldn't be too bad, and wost case scenario, its only about a 5 hours drive if I absolutely needed to.

Unfortunately, the woman has some medical issues that need to be taken care of in MSP, so it still is a possibility. It's still out there and I have a couple months to come up with a plan

In a case like that, I would do anything to make it work. Family and health always take priority....

 

[OneBadLT123]

I am going to attempt it. At worst the drive between the two is about 5-6 hours. Only thing that worries me is we are approaching the season where there will be a lot of irregular operations at both airports. (winter)

 

[emspilot 01]

ORD Commute..

I am going to attempt it. At worst the drive between the two is about 5-6 hours. Only thing that worries me is we are approaching the season where there will be a lot of irregular operations at both airports. (winter)

Unlike Minneapolis Minnesota, Chicago O'Hare has a lot of problems with weather and delays. That would be a tough commute for someone. I'm sure it can be done, but won't be very easy. That's my two cents for what it's worth!

 

[pinoyatc]

I have been a commuter for most of my short 5 year dispatching career. Commuting is not as bad as people think. You just need a plan B for when things go south. I been lucky enough to have always made it to work, but I have been late a few times.