Article: Some Airline Employees Live in Parking Lots due to High Cost of Living (airlines, airport)

[missionhome]

I thought this was an interesting article in the Los Angeles Times today: LAX parking lot is home away from home for airline workers - Los Angeles Times

It is about pilots, mechanics, ramp crew, etc... for airlines living in RV's and trailers in an old parking lot adjacent to LAX, the international airport for Los Angeles. Why you may ask??? LAX is a major base for airline staff. United (hub at LAX), American, Alaska, Delta, Southwest, Northwest, Continental, etc... are just some of the airlines that have some staff based at LAX (and the staff doesn't get to pick their base usually). Many of decided that instead of moving their families to CA or because they are unable to afford the very high cost of living on Los Angeles' westside, that they would rather spend weeks in RV's in the parking lot and visit family on occasion.

I just though this was an interesting article about how much the aviation industry has changed and the cuts these pilots have taken in pay resulting in people doing this. Being a pilot used to be a job that paid pretty well, but my how times change.

[South Range Family]

There are many more that have flop houses too. They find a swap partner, and then work double, double, single to get 40 hours in. Three days at work, four days home. If they ever shut down my station, I plan on commuting too. I won't move my family for an unstable airline job.

[Crew Chief]

Can't agree with you more, South Range Family. I miss the flight line, but even back when I retired, i saw the instability in aviation jobs. never thought getting a CDL would turn out to be an even better deal than I'd ever have imagined...

[Chava61]

Most airline pilots have crash pads away from home.