Woman Travels to Work by Plane Every Single Day Because It’s Cheaper Than Renting in City

How far would you go for a better life?

Most people dread long commutes—bumper-to-bumper traffic, packed trains, and the daily grind of rushing from point A to point B. But what if your daily journey to work wasn’t by car or subway, but by plane?

For Racheal Kaur, an AirAsia employee and mother of two, flying to work every single day isn’t just a necessity—it’s a choice. While most people would assume this kind of lifestyle is a luxury, for Racheal, it’s actually the most practical option. The cost of living in Kuala Lumpur, where she works, is high. Renting a home near her office would mean sacrificing both her finances and precious time with her children.

So, she chose a different path. Instead of moving closer, she decided to stay in her hometown of Penang and commute 350 kilometers by plane every day—because, surprisingly, it’s cheaper than renting in the city.

A Flight to Work and Back Home Every Day

Most people wake up, grab a coffee, and hit the road for their morning commute. But for Racheal Kaur, the journey to work starts at 4 a.m. with a flight itinerary.

Every weekday, she rises before dawn, showers, and heads to the airport by 5 a.m. By 5:55 a.m., she’s boarding a plane from Penang to Kuala Lumpur, a flight that takes about 40 minutes. Once she lands, a short five-minute walk brings her to her office, where she starts her workday by 7:45 a.m.

At the end of the day, while others sit through traffic or rush to catch a train, Racheal boards another flight—this time heading home. By 8 p.m., she’s back in Penang, where she spends the evening helping her kids with homework, sharing dinner, and being present as a mother.

For most, this kind of routine is exhausting, even unimaginable. But for Racheal, this is the best way to balance her career and her family. Instead of spending hours stuck in Kuala Lumpur’s traffic or paying exorbitant rent in the city, she’s found a way to have the best of both worlds—without compromising what matters most.

The Economics of Flying vs. Renting

Image Source: Shutterstock

At first glance, Racheal’s decision to fly to work every day might seem extravagant. After all, isn’t flying one of the most expensive ways to travel? But when you break down the numbers, her choice makes perfect sense.

Living in Kuala Lumpur would mean paying at least MYR 1,500 (around $336) per month in rent, while her mortgage in Penang is only MYR 1,000 (around $224). Even after factoring in the cost of daily flights, she still spends less than she would on rent alone in the capital.

Her job at AirAsia comes with an employee discount on flights, which helps keep costs manageable. But even without the discount, flying is still a better financial choice than moving closer. Add to that the cost of living—food, transportation, and other daily expenses are higher in Kuala Lumpur—making Penang the more affordable and sustainable option.

But this decision isn’t just about money. It’s about time. While city commuters spend hours trapped in gridlock, Racheal’s 40-minute flight allows her to skip the frustration of endless traffic jams. The result? More time at home, more time for her kids, and less time wasted in transit.

For many, the idea of flying to work every day sounds like a luxury. But for Racheal, it’s simply a smart, strategic decision—one that allows her to maintain financial stability while being present for her family.

Why Being Present Matters More Than Convenience

Image Source: Shutterstock

Money can be earned. Time? Once it’s gone, you don’t get it back.

For Racheal Kaur, this daily flight isn’t just about finances—it’s about being there for her children. Her eldest is 12, her youngest is 11—critical years when a child needs their mother the most. She could have moved to Kuala Lumpur, seen them only on weekends, and let her career dictate her family life. But that wasn’t an option for her.

With this routine, she tucks them in at night. She helps with last-minute homework. She listens to their stories from school, shares dinner with them, and makes sure they never feel like she’s too far away. That presence? It’s priceless.

But let’s not pretend it’s easy. Waking up at 4 a.m. every day takes discipline. Arriving home exhausted and still finding the energy to be fully present for her kids requires an unshakable commitment to what truly matters. Yet, despite the fatigue, she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

“The moment I reach home, I get to see my kids. All that exhaustion is just gone. It’s just wonderful,” she says.

And that’s the thing about sacrifice. When it’s made for the right reasons, it doesn’t feel like a burden—it feels like a choice.

The Rise of the ‘Super Commuter’

Image Source: Shutterstock

For decades, the idea of living close to work was seen as the only practical choice. But with soaring rent prices and evolving work structures, a new group of workers is emerging—the super commuters. These are individuals who travel long distances daily or split their week between cities to maintain a better quality of life. In major metropolitan areas like New York, San Francisco, and London, the high cost of living has made it nearly impossible for many professionals to reside near their workplaces. A study by NYU’s Rudin Center for Transportation Policy and Management found that nearly 60,000 workers in Manhattan alone fit this category, making long-haul commutes a reality for thousands.

The post-pandemic shift in work culture has also contributed to this trend. More companies have adopted hybrid models, allowing employees to commute only when necessary rather than relocate entirely. Some, like Julia Gourley Donohue, a Michigan resident, drive five hours to Columbus, Ohio, for work, spending part of the week there before returning home. This kind of commuting isn’t just about affordability; it’s about maintaining personal stability while keeping professional opportunities open. Many super commuters make this choice to avoid uprooting their families, remain close to loved ones, or simply enjoy a more peaceful environment outside of congested urban centers.

Super commuting is more than just a logistical challenge—it’s a shift in how people define work-life balance. While critics may see it as exhausting or unsustainable, those who embrace it often find that the sacrifice is worth it. They recognize that time spent commuting is an investment in a lifestyle that prioritizes both career growth and personal fulfillment. Racheal Kaur’s story is just one example of how people are rewriting the rules of modern work. Instead of settling for what’s conventional, they are carving out their own paths—choosing to live where they thrive, even if it means taking to the skies, highways, or railways every day.

Rethinking the Norms of Work and Life

Most people follow the beaten path—move closer to work, sacrifice family time for career ambitions, and accept that the daily grind is just part of life. But stories like Racheal Kaur’s remind us that there’s always another way. Sometimes, the most unconventional decisions lead to the most fulfilling lives.

Her story isn’t just about a long commute. It’s about choosing what truly matters. It’s about questioning the norms society imposes and designing a life that aligns with personal values. While some chase promotions and big-city dreams, Racheal chases something even more valuable—time with her children. She has built a life where she can have both—a successful career and an active presence in her kids’ lives—without compromising one for the other.

So, what about the rest of us? Maybe it’s time to rethink what we’ve been told about success, work, and sacrifice. Maybe the real question isn’t, “Is this commute crazy?” but rather, “What am I willing to do to build the life I truly want?” Because at the end of the day, it’s not about where you work or how far you travel—it’s about whether you’re heading in the direction that matters most.

Featured Image Source: Shutterstock