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Racheal Kaur, an assistant manager at AirAsia, flies daily from Penang to Kuala Lumpur and back, earning the title “super commuter.”
Racheal Kaur, an assistant manager at AirAsia. Image/YouTube@CNAInsider
An Indian-origin woman, a mother of two, has garnered global attention for taking a far more unusual route for her daily commute to work, showcasing a unique approach to maintaining a work-life balance.
Instead of enduring a long drive, Racheal Kaur, an assistant manager at AirAsia, flies daily from Penang to Kuala Lumpur and back, earning the title ‘super commuter.’
Kaur, explaining her decision to fly to work daily, said that she does this to balance her professional and personal life, allowing her to spend evenings with her children. She added that the arrangement is cheaper and works better than renting a home near her office.
“I have two kids, both are growing. My oldest is 12 and my daughter is 11. With them growing I feel the need for the mother to be around more often. And, with this arrangement I’m able to go home every day and be able to see them at night,” she said.
Prior to 2024, she rented a home in Kuala Lumpur near her office, only returning to Penang once a week. However, the long-distance was impacting her work-life balance. Her new travel routine now allows her to spend more time at home, improving her work-life balance.
Know Her Daily Routine
Talking about her daily routine, Racheal Kaur shared that she begins her day at 4:00 am to prepare for work. By 5:00 am, she heads to the airport for a 5:55 am flight, arriving at her office destination by 7:45 am to start her workday.
After a full day at the office, she returns home, landing by 8:00 pm to spend time with her family.
Interestingly, Kaur’s daily commute is more economical than renting a home near her office. By flying every day, she reduces her monthly expenses for food and accommodation from $474 (₹42,000) to $316 (₹28,000).
For Kaur, her daily flight offers precious “me time.” She uses the journey to reflect on her life, listen to music, and enjoy the view. This routine not only aids in personal reflection but also provides a peaceful moment to transition between work and family life.
