Life of a Commuting Airline Pilot

I hope this video answers a lot of questions I get regarding what it means to have to commute as an airline pilot. Leave anymore questions you have down below!
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[@SI-lg2vp]

There are few crew bases worth having a home in base. It's either a crime problem or high expense problem. Commuting is generally what most pilot select, and just make it a fact of the job. The pilot's wife in this case wants to be close to her family so that forces working pilots to commute. Wife feels the commute is not really work since you are riding in the cabin, and your living on the road in a hotel and eating out all the time. As time passes you get a better schedule that improves your commute to work. Late in your airline career you realize that your commuting / job is normal, learning later that it is far from normal and that you've been living in a bubble. When you retire you will question how was it all possible to spend all the time commuting and flying for decades. Friends that don't have an airline job think you have an easy job, lots of time off, and all you do is push buttons to fly the plane. Yes it was worth all the time, effort and expense to be an airline pilot. For you will never know how far you must run while chasing a dream... till it's over. Mine was just 13 million miles of flying. It was never boring, sometimes it included, engine fires, rapid depressurization, loss of all hydraulics, loss of electric, landing gear failure, all without any violations, accidents, or anyone getting hurt.

[@VictoryAviation]

Wow, what a helluva perspective! I just got my CPL SEL but have been planning on beginning my transition to rotary starting this summer with the ultimate goal of flying for feature film cinematography. What are your thoughts on choosing something with much less of a broad field such as rotary, corporate, or ag?

[@matthewlilly7668]

You are in the best position at this day in time. Sick opportunities now as a pilot.

[@dylanmccallum4696]

Can’t thank you enough for these videos Garrett! Being someone who is about to start my PPL training, these videos help in so many ways! 🙌

[@nyrubin]

Have u taken ur discovery flight yet?

[@greystoke2019]

It is inspiring to hear the excitement and adulation describing your career choice!

[@murniatisip9511]

You are always a motivator for prospective pilots.

[@kennethpuig130]

I salute to all of your hard work and dedication to be a pilot I'm so proud of you

[@michaelchebuske]

Thanks for all the great information. I’m 16 working on my PPL. My dad is a captain on the 737 for American and I told him to keep an eye out for you😊. You are definitely right. NOW is the time to be a pilot!!

[@unamitafa]

Hey can you also plug me🤗am also 16

[@flyingsac]

@@unamitafa trippin

[@thepenmen22]

How is the pilot journey going?

[@michaelchebuske]

@@thepenmen22 got my PPL this past May. Will start working on everything up after the school year ends.

[@thepenmen22]

@@michaelchebuske Great work man, good to hear! I'll see you at the airlines

[@stevehofmaster4292]

Congratulations on CLT base in June that's awesome Garrett!

[@MrMeow10101]

I’m personally interested in the life of an airline pilot. Here is a list of questions Ive been curious about 😂 What do the pilots talk about on flight deck while flying the plane? How often do pilots eat airport food? Do pilots get hotel points for all of their hotel stays? How often do inflight emergencies happen? Is it easier to fly at night or the day time?

[@dainsleif4323]

@Simply Saam do airlines pay for the hotel or its out of your pocket?

[@winstonchurchill3597]

@Simply Saam Don't forget the contract. Seriously though, one of the best parts of the job are the people I get to fly with - top notch.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Finally, you are right in this industry, it is a little but tough giving up days to commute to work the day before you have to start your work day. As Pilots and Flight Attendants become more senior bidding your work flight schedules will become more relaxing better. Some years ago, I worked with a F/A who lived in Miami but was based in Chicago. She commuted all the time because she was senior enough to hold London, UK or Paris trips. She liked to shop especially for the Christmas season to get gifts. Everyone in our has different likes in our industry. I am so glad I did not have to commute in the career that I still like.

[@IsaiahWG24]

Wow this is a huge eye opener. Thanks for sharing 😀

[@kirkl1575]

Very informative vlog! Love aviation, and congratulations on 737. ✈👌

[@youngsouljag08]

Heck yeah man great times right now everyone get that 121 and go be great!

[@flywithlaurenw]

Commuting is a job within itself! Especially on reserve or on probation. I used to be Newark based and a commuter myself, so I feel you!

[@ronandelana]

When you communte.. Do you fly as a passenger? Do you have to pay for the plane ticket?

[@LMays-cu2hp]

That was nice you shared how it is to commute to work. It is the same way with the Flight Attendants. Many already live somewhere else not close to their. I have heard from my current and former ones. Commuting can sometimes be really hard but if you can be based at your hub then you are fine. When I started I was lucky to get my selection where I lived. Of the base selections that were need to cover were New York, Chicago and D.C. out of Flight Attendant Training. I picked New York and called my family there to see if I could stay there. I the end of bases needing F/As I got lucky and got Chicago where I already live. I was glad I was based where I live.

[@chelseakynter6890]

Good explanation captain keep up your amazing work 💖

[@monikamantas4083]

Thank you Garrett for your video. I didn't know it looked like this. Good job. Do what you do next and have fun with it. Thanks. :) 😀

[@joshberith]

Thanks for this very informative vid. The b737 is also my absolute favorite aircraft ✈💙

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

Same here, the 73 is one of my favorites as well

[@alfredsantella6477]

Nice vlog Garrett! Thanks! Al from SW Florida 🌞 ✈ ✊

[@Blessed9jaBeauty]

Very informative and transparent. Appreciate you 👨‍✈️🛩 The Boeing 737 is a beauty.😄

[@darshanshirgave3671]

Good explanation 👌👌 Garrett good luck to you 💐

[@emeldawanjala3682]

I don't know what am doing here...all I know is that this guy is good-looking, smart and kind. Lots of love from Kenya 🖤💚♥️🖤🙌🙌

[@_Jennifer98]

Amazing 🤩! Much thanks for sharing.

[@abbyzincqueen6898]

I understand everything in between.. Thank you for letting us know! 😉😊😊

[@IsaiahWG24]

Great at making it make sense.

[@IsaiahWG24]

Great video bro. Thank you

[@fiddlyphuk6414]

I was a chronic commuter. Commuting is relative. After several years I finally got a base where I enjoyed a short commute, usually 50 minutes and was senior enough to get lines where I could commute on the front and backside of my trip. I became relatively spoiled after trudging through the lousy times of doing 2 leg commutes on my days off. Commuting is really like a second job to your primary airline job yet you don't get payed for it. It's another downfall of the job- you either learn to deal with it or you leave the job. It's a contributing factor to the people that work their way up to the airlines, get there, learn the realities of it, then choose to leave it. If you learn to deal with it and some of the other downfalls of the job you'll find the perks of the job will make it all worth it. I'm past 65 and retired now and don't regret choosing to fly for the airlines. As a career changer, it was the best job I ever had, full of adventure, people and memories. But I wouldn't want to go back now if I could- retirement also has many perks. Now, whenever I see an airliner take off from the local airport I think- "there I go on my commute." LOL

[@sammedina3498]

Congratulations on going back to CLT

[@jakobe2028]

Thanks for being honest I wanna be a pilot and the quality time is important to me

[@gaynorlaquian6309]

Hello Garrett.You're awsome Pilot❤ keep it up the good work stay safe and God bless you always❤🙏

[@rumanabegum4427]

You honest and truth .

[@katyguy]

I did commuting for 21 years as a flight attendant from Houston to Philadelphia Nashville Charlotte DC and Dallas what a pain .Got lots of hotel points and free hotel rooms do to commuting .

[@adamsrosales6519]

Man, I work from home and the stressful tech job keeps me mentally away for the whole week and sometimes part of the weekend even though I’m literally home the whole time lol. What you described sounds like a dream to me because you can disconnect from work when you’re not flying.

[@lhhorses2000]

Hi Garrett, I love your videos and they're a HUGE help to trying to figure out my career path. If I don't have many airline connections in my network is there somewhere to find which bases each major offers?

[@shirleymena3157]

Hello Garret how are you ? So I am afraid of flying and I searched youtube for videos on how to face fear and I found your channel. !! Last Friday my plane was taking off and and we had a problem in their engines and the pilot braked suddenly and it was a very scare. Anyway, I travel a lot for my job, I had canceled my job for this week, but today I'm on my way to the airport to catch a flight.!!! 😊

[@SinJinSmythe815]

Getting ready to start flight school in March

[@ThorX1231]

This video helped a lot thanks. Also why not just move to the base that is assigned so you can get more time home you know. But now you are getting the base you want so ik that’s irrelevant now but just a thought.

[@JieunHong-eg2bb]

loud clear nice voice..

[@quinnarbogast8001]

Hey Garrett! I really enjoy your videos man. I was wondering what you thought about how AI technology will change the airline industry. Do you think the technology could every replace live pilots?

[@jieunhong1679]

Grey t shirt look so well. Garrett

[@garywilson9640]

My Fathers Cousin used to work at a Captain for TWA. His commute was SF to NY. He said the benefit was he had his chice of women at the bar where the flight crews hung out at.

[@nicholasgolden2029]

Is there ever an opportunity to begin flying something like a wide body when you start mainline flying?

[@derekroulston1977]

You are hardly loosing a full day off commuting as you can be in Charlotte by 8:30 am

[@donaldevans7520]

Hey Garrett, do you need a crash pad in Newark New Jersey? I know a couple that runs one and they might have some availability

[@maudetheriault5364]

Thats exactly what I was asking myself yesterday 🤩. Is the montreal airport is a seniority base?

[@LtSHAKEnBAKE]

Are airlines making it easier for commuters nowadays? Not so much with the scheduling (which I can deal with) but with deadheading or jump seating? Getting pilots who commute where they need to be provided by the company? I see myself moving to Charlotte long term not just for myself but also for my significant other’s line of work.

[@shahromsattorov5405]

Garret what is you advise to the people, like me, that starting their flight training soon to get PPL?

[@lailahnurwahyu170]

Wow super cool and very nice my love

[@Saylor28]

I would be interested in Airlines outside the US. Do you have any tips on how to start looking towards more international airlines?

[@t29glg0]

Same as junior DL flight attendant

[@lefthandedfenceguy4924]

I'm waiting for the day when I hear that you were FO for my Captain friend who is based in Dallas. And then someday, get to FO for you after you upgrade to Captain. 🛩😁

[@francadimitri2968]

Bravo bellissimo pilota Garrett anche se non capisco quello che dici io ti ascolto sempre .Ho visto tutti i tuoi video che hai fatto .Kiss

[@mariarosenisantos4464]

I love you infinitely

[@nyrubin]

I think American airlines had a base in PR. I would've loved to fly for rhat airline

[@liveonthefarm9415]

my circumstances are difficult . I hope for this channel in order to support my family🏇

[@FlightRisk2010]

Do you skip having a crash pad entirely by getting hotel rooms instead?

[@becraftcorey]

I'm hoping I won't have to commute far, I plan to have an airport beater car so worst case I can drive home if necessary

[@nathanestrada25]

Lol all commuting is by choice, when you join the airline they specifically ask you if your willing to relocate! So again it’s all your choice not to move or relocate to NYC/EWR! 🤣

[@WhyPee24]

I already live 30 mins away from EWR, and I want to be an airline or cargo pilot. I'm 17 and graduating high school this June. Watch me be assigned to Texas or something...

[@ATH_Berkshire]

@@WhyPee24 as long as the company has a decent sized base where to want to be commuting only needs to be a temporary (1 to 5 year) thing. Big airline recessions may push you into either taking a pay cut to stay in base or another period of commuting.

[@maurygottlieb4771]

@@WhyPee24 trust me on this one, the 3 NY airports will always be the junior base, so your case already living there you will have great quality of life. Good luck in reaching your career goals.

[@WhyPee24]

@@maurygottlieb4771 What is a junior base?

[@maurygottlieb4771]

@@WhyPee24 In the airlines everything is dependent on your seniority#. This # will be issued to you the first day of new hire class. It controls the aircraft you fly, when you upgrade to captain, what domicile/crew base you can hold etc. The New York airports are junior in seniority, therefore you would be able to get better schedules etc.

[@karensiriban4978]

Nice

[@FpsHavokboy]

Hey bud how long did it take you to go from first officer to captain?

[@MarcusSkyVentures]

Would you rack up enough credit card or hotel account points though that it would pay for itself? Or at least help pay?

[@jcheck6]

I never did Marcus and I commuted my whole career.

[@Roca891]

I live in base for a regional. This is my first 121 job, it's okay but its not worth the money I'm making right now. (We are not one of the lucky AA companies). I want to move up but I have zero options for majors or ULCCs near my current home, and the idea of either moving away from the life I've built or commuting forever is just awful. And then even if you get the base you want, when you upgrade you're in the same boat all over again. I'm already an older pilot I have only about 15 years left before I'm 65. I just don't know if I have the will to keep hustling and moving around. Will probably look at a fractional or something that gives me more flexibility and a more stable schedule.

[@nickblake802]

Are most of the senior home bases in the south? And if you are new to the airlines will they most likely send you up north?

[@Micg51]

Basically just the NE. They aren’t junior cause it’s cold, they are junior because these cities are expensive.

[@Straightahead101]

Why is now a good time to start being a pilot?

[@brandoreid2962]

You were my pilot once…good flight. Glad you went ML and got away from Piedmont. They run their employees ragged with very little pay 😕

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

im a pilot in training, my goal is to get my commercial license , i love the Boeing 73 as well, the ultimate goal is to fly the 73, the 78 and or the triple 7, i love those planes they are my favs among the big jets.

[@jcheck6]

Trust me buttons, you don't want to fly the 737. For numerous reasons the Airbus is much better.

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

@@jcheck6 I know I don’t want to fly the max, but I like the 700 and 800 and especially that new 78, is a beauty, I have been looking at airbus as well, I’ll definitely keep my options open, I just prefer the yoke instead of the stick, but I also know how easy the airbus is to operate and how simple some of it is compared to other planes. :-)

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

@@jcheck6 what do you not like about the 73 ? Which models do you like, or hate the most ?

[@jcheck6]

@@Shannonbarnesdr1 The 737 is old school. I never flew it but did fly the 727 which is the same cockpit cept larger due to the FE position. Don't know about the 787 but all other Boeings have very noisy cockpits compared to the Airbuses which I flew. The 737 cockpit is cramped when compared to the A320. The stick is no issue and cockpit is better laid out. Having a fold out table in front of you is a big plus. It is just all around a much more modern a/c. Even Garrett had the Airbus as his #1 choice.

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

@@jcheck6 i do like old school, the cockpit of some of the 73s really does appeal to me, but, i do also appreciate and see the pluses, of things like the fold out table, more smooth workflow layouts, room is not an issue for me as im a small framed guy, now the 78 looks fairly comfortable and from what i can tell has a nice layout, i will be looking into airbus as there are so many of them, and i have heard so much good things about them, i need to learn the systems in sim, just to have some basics under my belt.

[@salmanmuse2926]

I’m 15 and I wanna be a pilot and U like airlines is charlotte actually a good base to consider?

[@Monrele]

Do you get free parking during your commute?

[@maxleitschuh7076]

Question - if you have to stay in a hotel in your base on the front or back end of your trip, does the airline provide any financial or logistical support in getting you the hotel room? Or are you completely on your own in finding where to stay and paying for it?

[@MrHmongrice]

You get per diem on the job.

[@jcheck6]

Max, the answer is a big NO to the first and YES to the second question. I commuted my entire career but I got to live where I wanted.

[@cjr801]

Do you have to pay for the flight to commute or can you at least deadhead to the start location?

[@jnaviation8671]

Yo I clicked that notification fast AF

[@dawndonajkowski6278]

When you fly as a passenger, do you still have to dress up? Such as from CLT to NYC?

[@jcheck6]

Dawn, no that changed a long time ago.

[@gvue4396]

The pilot shortage is also because everyone wants to work remote or hybrid. No one really wants in person jobs anymore. Which will make those jobs more high demand. Pilots, RNs, Optometrist, etc.

[@jrs89]

One thing I've never understood is why the un-commutable trips don't include a hotel stay provided by the airlines. If the airline knows a large share of the pilots are commuting to the base, why not offer that for the trips that start early or end late?

[@judetounsi773]

Cuz they’re cheap

[@bradleys2320]

Cuz it's your choice to commute instead of living in-base. and... the contract.

[@jimmy__sung]

how many time should i thanks to him?

[@costaathan4500]

“Obsessed” with the 737? Sad!

[@wgeffon]

Being new, how do you have scheduled trips already? Didn’t have to do any reserve?

[@mikep9604]

I think the reason is because he has already flown 5 years for the regional airline and now transferred to the mainline.

[@jcheck6]

@@mikep9604 That has no bearing, he started at the bottom of the seniority list at AAL. The only reason he may not have to be on reserve is because so many are retiring off the top and the massive hiring going on.

[@redwingsfan1136]

When considering which airline you want to work for, is it smart or dumb to consider the routes that the airline offers. I have a lot of family in Switzerland and i would love to be able to fly there and visit them as part of my job. Here in the US, united airlines is the only one that flys to Zurich. (Or at least that i know of) Should i let that impact my decision on what airline to fly from or not since routes may change? Thanks.

[@tommy35ss]

If it helps, I can give my input as a current tegional airline pilot. You are thinking correctly. Your seniority, thr airline you work for, and airline you are commuting on all come into play when it comes to commuting. So for example, if someone who worked for American was commuting on that route flown by United, and there was one seat left that he/she takes, and you show up working for United, then you would 'bump' that person.

[@tommy35ss]

Though I would not make commuting permanent just because they fly that specific route. I would chose the airline to not have to commute to permanently for work versus chosing the one that flies to a specific destination. You can get benefits on many different airlines other than your own.

[@ATH_Berkshire]

No, work for a big, stable, and high paying airline. Then you can afford to visit family on your schedule and your dime.

[@redwingsfan1136]

@@tommy35ss Thank you for your advice!

[@redwingsfan1136]

@@ATH_Berkshire that's true, more freedom that way also

[@johannabaez4290]

Hi garrett ray live new york safe

[@kdharley07]

What’s it mean that you were awarded Charlottes as your base yet you have to go to New York to fly out of

[@quinsweeten]

With the crazy hiring and shortage, do you think airlines will start to lean away from requiring bachelors degrees? I'm currently working toward mine but almost feel like I should go through a fast track instead!

[@randyf1059]

Yea man, just get your 4 year degree, it helps when applying for some airlines, one of my mentors is a 747-800F captain he said I should just finish my four year degree then later work on my ATPL

[@jcheck6]

Quin you are in luck. Delta now states a degree is preferred not required. Others are changing as well. Keep in mind you will be competing against those that do have one.

[@sreekalak3502]

Hi dear Garrett you r amazing pilot🙏. When you will say me "a hai"

[@jieunhong1679]

is it then short flight??um..

[@rimasarimah3215]

💕💕💕

[@scwappycoco]

Bro make a video Airbus vs Boeing

[@jcheck6]

Why Joe, Airbus is the better plane....I have flown both.

[@realismatitsfinest5745]

I would have thought you would have your own plane (even just a cheaper, older one; e.g., 70s Cessna) to make all your commuting trips ... no???

[@WhyPee24]

I already live 30 mins away from EWR, and I want to be an airline or cargo pilot. I'm 17 and graduating high school this June. Watch me be assigned to Texas or something...

[@judetounsi773]

Bruh you ain’t gettin assigned to Texas, your going to ewr

[@jessemetro1891]

Someday when you have enough seniority, move to DFW and then you won't have to commute anymore.

[@vipzino]

record in a less echoy space bro

[@newlynngo6924]

So in other words, live VERY close by for more sleep. Got it! Lol😂

[@ATH_Berkshire]

As Garrett knows he’s lucky not to be reserve for 2 or 3 years.

[@user-qp3pg6ce1y]

What is commuting?)

[@Sarah.Javier.]

Thanks for great information pilot flywithgarrent take care always amazing pilot garnett

[@atrinkta]

Nu me too...

[@kababoy999]

Hi sir it's really you there so many picture you in Facebook

[@ryangoetz2135]

How senior is Phoenix?

[@riverjustice]

Pretty senior, Airbus international

[@OujdaMZLove]

Coucou Garrett

[@gurbinderkaur6548]

Hi sir 👍

[@feardagoggles1215]

How do your tattoos effect your life as a pilot? Can you have tattoos as a pilot?

[@Ryan-yi6pb]

Seniority Seniority Seniority! Do airlines pay for hotels and food in the airport during scheduled hours? Also is your commute flight paid for?

[@Shwepnick]

They pay for all the hotels that are built in to your trip. They don't pay for food directly but you do get a per diem which is basically just a little bit of extra money for each hour that you are on a trip to help pay for food. And pilots can fly standby on any airline for free as long as seats are available.

[@Ryan-yi6pb]

@@Shwepnick thanks 😉 are you a captain?

[@teresahernandez-hx9me]

Hi Cpt. I never dreamed about being a pilot because when I think about pilots, i think it’s a guys job which of course it’s not true, but it’s rare to see women pilots. That was until I met a woman in Cape Airlines who was an amazing pilot in Puerto Rico, now i dream to become a pilot. I am only 18 and have no one in my family or friends who know about pilot career path. Could you do a video about women in pilot industry? And the most important one, what school should future wannabe pilots should go to? Do I need a bachelors degree? If I wanna work for an American airline, do i have to have an USA bachelors degree or can it be international? Is ATP flight school a good school for those who don’t wanna go to the navy nor have any experience with flying? How were you able to pay flying school as a young adult? Again, what are a list of flying schools i should consider applying to? Can i find flying schools through airlines i wanna work for? Anyways, thank you again! If it weren’t for your videos, I wouldn’t understand flying in general and how an awesome of a job it could be that is never taught in school. I really love your content!!!!!

[@VictoryAviation]

As a freshly minted commercial pilot, we have several females at our flight school that are excellent pilots that are much more skilled than I am. I consider myself to be competent for my hours, having been trained by great instructors. Point being, women are more than capable of being excellent pilots with extreme attention to detail and much less propensity to make ego related decisions. I would highly encourage you to follow your dreams! Airlines are desperate to fill their ranks with females and minorities. I don’t necessarily agree with how some airlines are trying to accomplish this, but certainly the end goal is equality. There absolutely should be just as many females as pilots as there are males, considering the statistics of the population. Look for scholarship opportunities. As a female, you’re in higher demand than males in the aviation industry. I wish you all the luck and good fortune! Never back down from your dreams, and always strive to be the best version of yourself you can be! ps. Check out Nancy Bradshaw here on KZbin! She has an amazing channel and is a great resource. She’s also just a good person. I’ve spoken with her personally!

[@lunamoreno2990]

I was in the exact same position as you a couple years ago and now I’m getting a bachelors in Commercial Aviation at the University of North Dakota. There are so many ways to get your licenses and become a commercial pilot and you just have to choose what’s best for you. Most airlines no longer require a college degree (delta was the most recent airline to change that policy), but they do prefer it. My college, UND, Embry Riddle, and Purdue are the most known colleges for aviation, but there are others out there. A relatively cheap route to get your certificates is through a flight school at an airport near you. Make sure they are reputable and won’t just scam you out of your money, because unfortunately there are some that might try to do that. ATP schools are an option, but again make sure they are a good school because some might try to cut corners to get you your certificates quicker and you might not get the knowledge you’ll need. I’m not 100% sure but I think you need to get your certificates in the US for you to be able to work for a US company. Also, if you want to get to know more women in aviation there is a group that is literally called “Women in Aviation” that hosts all sorts of events and has a lot of chapters all over the world :)

[@jcheck6]

@@lunamoreno2990 Well stated!