There's a significant value to being able to fly w/b long haul trips. How guys bid proves that.[/QUOTE]
Yea, It's called money. That's what it appears guys bid for. Look around customs at the foreign crews you see. They are YOUNG! At European carriers that have a longevity rather than equipment based pay scales you will find the old (senior) guys flying the narrow bodies around Europe. Easier on the body. Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. For me, if the money were the same I'd rather fly 5 short domestic legs a day than one long international leg. Heck, taking off and landing is still fun, the rest is pretty damn boring. As for the layovers, I find myself in some really great places in Europe thinking that I would be enjoying it a lot more if I didn't feel like I have the frigging flu and I'm not even sick. Just tired!
I'd be quite happy to never fly another international trip and save the foreign travel for vacation.
CG