Originally Posted by
Birdstrikes
Lines this month have pilots starting/ending in CVG, LAX, HKG, and ANC. Most of the lines have a few days of reserve at the beginning or end. Most pilots average two laps around the planet in about 14-16 days and then they either travel home immediately, or they sit reserve at whatever station the last flew into. Scheduling may or may not use the days at the beginning of your line. If unused, those are extra days at home. I only worked 198 days last year. But I am fairly senior and use all of my vacation and pick up some open time. Usually, you will be gone less than 20. However, there are months you could be gone more.
Living at one of the stations will allow you to sneak home in the middle of your trip or avoid travel to/from but you'll also lose the 50% pay credit for the deadhead.
Hopefully a recent 777 hire will chime in and give you their experience so far.
I have flown a DHL type of operation before, and it was more like a Monday-Friday deal. Are the 737 trips like that? Where do the 737 guys finish for the weekend? The company has to give you a 1 in 7 somewhere. I was thinking if it turns to be more like a two days deal and you can drive or jumpseat home. Thanks