Woman flies 217 miles every day to work for the sweetest reason that’ll resonate with every mom

How far would you go to balance work and family life? For Racheal Kaur, an assistant manager in AirAsia's finance operations department, the answer is 350 kilometers—every single day. This Malaysian mother has embraced an unconventional commute, flying from her home in Penang to her office in Kuala Lumpur each workday. The routine, which has earned her the title of "supercommuter," was highlighted by the New York Post. "I wake up around 4 AM—4:15 AM at the latest," she shared with CNA Insider. After getting ready, she's out the door by 5 AM to catch her 5:55 AM flight. "I take a slow drive to the airport. The boarding is at 5:55 so it gives me plenty of time to park my car, get myself boarded and check in."

The flight lasts approximately 40 minutes, allowing her to arrive at her office by 7:45 AM. After completing her workday, she returns home by 8:00 PM, ensuring she spends her evenings with her two children, aged 12 and 11. This daily aerial commute, which started in early 2024, was motivated by her desire to be more present for her children during their formative years. "With them growing, I feel that they need their mother to be around more often," Racheal shared. "With this arrangement, I'm able to go home every day, see them at night, and help with last-minute homework."

Financially, this arrangement is surprisingly advantageous. Previously, renting accommodation in Kuala Lumpur cost her between RM1,400 to RM1,500 per month. Now, utilizing her employee discount, her daily round-trip flights amount to RM50 per day, totaling approximately RM1,100 monthly. Additionally, her food expenses have decreased from RM600 to RM300 per month, as she now primarily dines at home. This shift not only reduces her expenses but also allows her to pay only her mortgage in Penang, which is lower than the combined costs of renting and living in Kuala Lumpur.

During her flights, Racheal cherishes her "me time." "I usually spend the first 10-15 minutes in prayer and self-reflection, then listen to music while admiring nature outside," she described. This routine provides her with a peaceful transition between her roles at work and home. While some might find the idea of daily flights daunting, Racheal emphasizes the efficiency compared to ground transportation. Commuting from various parts of Kuala Lumpur to her office in Sepang typically takes at least 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, often longer during peak traffic times. In contrast, her flight ensures a consistent and shorter travel time.

Her employer, AirAsia, supports her commuting choice, recognizing the importance of work-life balance. Racheal believes that being physically present in the office enhances productivity. "Being surrounded by people makes it easier to get tasks done when you're able to communicate face-to-face," she noted. Reactions to her unique commute vary. "When people find out that I commute by air daily, I've had reactions ranging from 'Wow' to 'Are you crazy?'" Racheal recounted. Despite the early mornings and long days, she finds the arrangement fulfilling. "It is exhausting to wake up every day at 4:00 AM. The moment I reach home and see my kids, all that exhaustion is just gone. It's just wonderful."