the copilot that died in buffalo a year or so ago had a hell of a commute. she caught a fedex in Seattle, or someplace like that, went to memphis, and then to Chicago to get on the plane to drive. not exactly a missed alarmclock if she had not made the plane.

once, out of philladelphia to bld, we were in line on the runway when we went back to the gate to pick up an fa and pilot. we lost place in line and sat for long time.

these people do not necessarily hotel next door.

i sat next to a pilot who lived somewhere in or around den, who was going to someplace like mia to start his day. i do not know how the union works, but these people somehow bid in their jobs. they can then fly to the start point. i don't know why i don't see more transit pilots. they usually wear uniform because they get seat if in uniform