Galley Gossip: A question about why I'm based in New York when I live in California

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-12-2009 @ 8:17PM

Gene said...

I fly for a different carrier and for the very same exact reasons. I choose to live in Miami and commute to New York (JFK).

I have better seniority there (JFK) and fly better trips.... trans-con (turns). I can fly a full time minimum schedule, approximately 70 hours in about 8 days in a row. I am forced to have one day off as per the FAA's 24/7 rule.

For those 8 days that I fly, my life is horrific, but then I have about 22+ days off for the rest of the month to rest, work my other job and spend more time with my little Yorkshire Terrier (Kahlua), who also commutes to New York with me.

We stay with my best friend who also flies for my same airline and her elderly mother who pet sits for me while I am flying.

I hope you are awarded a line soon and your reserve days will end!

Cheers!

P.S. LOVE YOUR FORUM!!!

1-18-2009 @ 1:08PM

Dorie said...

Well, I commuted too. Just like you I was based in NYC right out of training, married, older, and on reserve. so, was only home for 8-9 days a month, and not always all at once. I couldn't wait to transfer out. I got my 1st transfer to SLC, and was there for about 6 months. And finally got a transfer to LAX where I lived. I was still on reserve, but didn't care-I was home. I finally became a lineholder and was very happy. Until 9/11 then the airline I worked for downsized LAX and I was sent back to NYC, back on reserve, and back to commuting. I had a pretty nice crashpad, but I was back to being home only 8-9 days a month, and I was 10 years older-let's just say in my 50's and living like a 20 something was supposed to live.
After 18 months of this, I took early retirement and haven't looked back. I do miss flying and all my friends, but overall my life is richer and I get to spend time with my husband and grown kids.
Flying is lifestyle not just a job.

1-19-2009 @ 1:32AM

Gene said...

Dorie,

I sincerely admire your stamina and ability to juggle, marriage, work, and family, responsibilities all together. Being on reserve and commuting is a difficult lifestyle, to add a crash pad on top of it....WOW!

As previously mentioned in my earlier post. I stay in New York with my best friend and her elderly mother with my little dog while I am flying. The advantage I have with them, they are like family to me, so it makes life a little easier.

Flying gets into your blood and indeed becomes a way of life. However, like you if I had to choose family... I'd do it any day. I greatly admire your decision.

Cheers!

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