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Hello all,
I have enjoyed reading this forum and appreciate all of the information. My wife and I would love to move to St. Croix one day. I am a pilot for a major airline and would have to commute back to the mainland (free flight) for my work trips and then head back to STX on my days off. She would likely find a job teaching in St Croix. We don't have any children. (and never will) We would be able to fly back to the mainland whenever we are off thanks to nice flight benefits. Does anyone know someone who has done something like this? It seems completely reasonable in some aspects and slightly idiotic and stressful in others.
I am aware that it is a good idea to rent for a while and test the waters before buying. I live in a city that has massive amounts of crime and really bad weather 9-10 months out of the year. I am looking for a big change in my life, as is my wife. Thanks guys!
TISX
Posted : January 16, 2011 8:52 pm
I guess your airline is not American. Bill Bohlke retired from AA not too long ago..Bohlke International Airways 340-778-9177
Posted : January 16, 2011 9:35 pm
I think it would depend on how long you'll be here and how long you'll be on the mainland each month, and how many times you'll have to make the trip each month. I work both here and on the mainland. I overdid it in November and December and went back to the mainland twice each month, for about 6 days each time. I have a ton of frequent flyer miles now (not an issue for you!), and it was nice to be able to go back and buy stuff that I can't get here, see friends, check on my house, etc., but it was exhausting. On the other hand, if your'e only working there and not here, then it might not be too bad. I guess it would also depend on where in the States you're going... there's a huge difference between flying to Miami and flying to Seattle!
Posted : January 16, 2011 10:51 pm
TISX, welcome to the forum.
I assume you've read other threads in this forum about teaching jobs, and crime, since those sound like areas of concern for you.
We have neighbors with a home on STX who are in the airline industry. They fly between Arizona and STX every month or two. They don't seem to mind it, but once a week could get old. You're already in a better position than most to guess if it would work for you.
Posted : January 16, 2011 11:07 pm
The airline my wife has worked for transfered her to a stateside position many years ago when her job was fully outsourced. I have commuted now for 5 years, usually on a week to week basis...one year I racked up 330,000 miles between the island and Tennessee. During these commutes I have run into many airline personnel from several carriers who live on St Croix and commute to their base...New York, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta...and have not met any who prefered to live off the island.
I was nicely surprised at the number of airline employees who live on St Croix.
there are several flight attendants who commute on a regular basis to their bases, both with their employment carrier and other airlines who service the island.
Posted : January 17, 2011 1:37 am
I've known lots of pilots who lived in a different city than their flight routes originated, including a few who opted for STX to be their crew rest home base. One pilot I dated years ago lived in Seattle but his flights ran from LAX to Asia. That would be a similar length of dead head flight to get home as someone who lives on St. Croix and flies out of Miami or Atlanta who can hop on AA or Delta. If you are flying out of the west coast, it could be a bit of a pain in the backside. You would know best which routes you bid on to make up your monthly schedule and whether downtime in the islands would best suit your personality when enjoying your days off.
It's do-able. In the right scenario, it's desirable.
Posted : January 17, 2011 7:15 pm
Topic starter
Thanks everyone for your input!(tu)
Posted : January 18, 2011 2:56 am
TISX,
It must be in the air. I am also a major airline pilot looking to make the move, to STT however. Lucky for me I only have to commute to South Florida. THANK YOU for the statement that "looks totally reasonable" I go back and forth on this. It seems not that bad especially for me where everything I own fits in two medium sized boxes, and I am single. (Long story)
A concern that I am looking for an answer on is are there any departure/arrival taxes or fees that even as commuting crew members we might have to pay? Can't get a clear answer on this one using google.
Posted : January 20, 2011 1:28 am
Topic starter
TISX,
It must be in the air. I am also a major airline pilot looking to make the move, to STT however. Lucky for me I only have to commute to South Florida. THANK YOU for the statement that "looks totally reasonable" I go back and forth on this. It seems not that bad especially for me where everything I own fits in two medium sized boxes, and I am single. (Long story)
A concern that I am looking for an answer on is are there any departure/arrival taxes or fees that even as commuting crew members we might have to pay? Can't get a clear answer on this one using google.
I'm not sure about the fees. Maybe captpete could shed some light.
Posted : January 20, 2011 1:52 am
no arrival or departure taxes are charged for crew or passengers on any kind of flights to/from STX. Even private pilots landing here only pay landing fees occasionally if the port authority guys bother chasing down the pilot after a plane lands. With all the flights we used to make in and out of Caribbean Flight Center, it was a very rare day when a landing fee was requested. At SJU, they met you with a bill in hand before you got your props turned off. lol
Posted : January 21, 2011 11:57 am
