Most people grumble about long commutes—being stuck in traffic, squeezing into crowded trains, or waiting endlessly for buses. But what if your daily commute involved catching a flight? Meet Racheal Kaur, a mother of two from Malaysia who does exactly that—flying five days a week from Penang to Kuala Lumpur for work.
The Super Commuter: A Mother’s Unbelievable Daily Flight to Work
Yes, you read that right. Five days a week, Racheal boards a plane from her home in Penang to her office in Kuala Lumpur and then flies back home the same evening. It’s an unusual routine, one that has left people stunned, calling her the ultimate “super commuter.”
Why Would Anyone Fly to Work Every Day?
At first glance, Racheal’s decision sounds extreme. Why not just live near her office? Or work remotely? The answer lies in her priorities as a mother.
“I have two kids, one is 12 and the other is 11,” she explained in an interview with CNA Insider. “With them growing, I feel that the need for the mother to be around is more important.”
Previously, she rented a home in Kuala Lumpur and would only visit her family in Penang once a week. But the time apart took a toll. So, in early 2024, she made the bold decision to switch things up—choosing to commute by air daily rather than be away from her children.
A Daily Routine Unlike Any Other
Racheal’s mornings start when most of us are still fast asleep. She wakes up at 4:00 AM, gets ready, and heads to the airport by 5:00 AM. By 5:55 AM, she is already in the air, flying towards Kuala Lumpur. Upon landing, she takes a short walk to her office, making sure she’s at her desk by 7:45 AM.
After a full day’s work, she boards another flight in the evening, reaching home by 8:00 PM—just in time to spend the night with her kids.
For many, this would be exhausting. But for Racheal, the trade-off is worth it.
Surprisingly, Flying Is Cheaper Than Renting
Here’s where things get even more surprising: flying daily is actually more cost-effective for her than renting an apartment in Kuala Lumpur.
Previously, she spent about $474 (around ₹42,000) a month on rent and living expenses near her office. Now, with her daily flights, she spends just $316 (around ₹28,000) a month—saving nearly ₹14,000.
For Racheal, this isn’t just about money. The ability to balance her career and her role as a mother makes every early morning flight worth it.
Making the Most of ‘Me Time’ in the Air
With such a rigorous schedule, you’d think she barely gets a moment to herself. But Racheal has found a way to turn her flights into something more than just travel time.
She calls her flights her “me time.”
“The first few minutes, I reflect on my life,” she shared. “Then, I listen to music and admire nature.”
For many people, long commutes feel like wasted time. But for Racheal, this is an opportunity to recharge before she steps into a busy day at work—or before she returns home to her kids.
Why Not Just Work From Home?
With remote work becoming more common, a natural question arises—why not just work from home?
Racheal believes her productivity thrives in an office environment. “Being surrounded by people, it’s easier to get a task done,” she explained. “When you’re able to communicate with people face-to-face, things move faster.”
Fortunately, her employer, AirAsia, has been open to this unusual arrangement, allowing her the flexibility she needs to maintain her work-life balance.
‘Are You Crazy?’—The Reactions to Her Commute
When people hear about Racheal’s routine, the responses range from awe to shock.
“Some people say ‘Wow!’ while others just ask, ‘Are you crazy?’” she laughed.
There’s no denying that waking up at 4:00 AM every day and flying back and forth sounds exhausting. But Racheal says the moment she steps back into her home and sees her children, all the exhaustion disappears.
How Long Will She Keep This Up?
For now, Racheal has no plans to change her routine. As long as her children need her, she’s willing to continue this demanding commute.
“It’s just wonderful,” she said, smiling.
Not everyone would be able—or willing—to take on such a grueling schedule. But for Racheal Kaur, the ability to be both a dedicated professional and a present mother makes it all worthwhile.
And that’s what makes her a true ‘super commuter.’