For those of you looking to get on here I'll share my experience so far. This is only my second month on the line.

First off... important info to have. Training pay as you've probably read is $1600 per month or $800 every two weeks. With insurance for wife and I the small paycheck came to around $575 and the one with a full month of per diem came to roughly $2300. It will vary based on your deductions and whatever insurance you pick. I was on training pay for three and a half months. Two full months training, almost a month waiting for OE, and then a couple weeks of OE. I could have started OE earlier, but was happy for the time off after being in Miami for 65 nights straight.

I'm ANC based and commute from ORD, so I lose a day off on the front side. It is what it is. The two trips that I've had end in ANC finished late Z time, but early local ANC. Therefore, I can get home early enough that I don't lose a day off on the back end.

I was able to bid this month for the first time and got a 60 day line. I got exactly the days off I needed in October. I have a 14 day trip, a four day trip, and a 16 day trip. I have stretches of 11 days off and 13 days off. I should credit 70 hours my first month if all goes as scheduled.

So far I've had layovers in nrt, icn, pvg, hkg, bah, rms, and cvg. IMO most of the hotels have been nice with icn, pvg, and hkg being super nice.

I enjoy the flying and don't mind the long trips, because I like having the long stretches of days off. I came from the regionals so I've done the 4 on 3 off while commuting every week, flying 4-6 legs a day and don't miss it one bit. This job isn't perfect and as you've read we could use some contract improvements. This job and lifestyle isn't for everyone. I know single guys that love it and guys that hate it. I have friends who are married with small kids that love it and make it work and those that hate it. At the end of the day it's up to the individual to decide if they will enjoy it or not. I don't have a crystal ball for the airline industry, so coming here will end up being either the worst career decision or the best one I've ever made. I'll know in about 25 years. The one thing I know for certain though is if you want to see the world and go to places you won't see with a passenger airline (some bad too / hostile areas are voluntary) you will have that opportunity here.