Bubba you mention the Contract...Your fault you don't make them abide by it as it seems you aren't too well versed in it.

A 16 hour flight will exceed an 18 hour Duty Day. !8 hours is max per the contract.

Next time you are looking at the situation ( and I did it almost every month from DXB/BAH for at least 3 years ) here's the way it goes:

- Nope, that flight is over 18 hours duty.

- Send me through ( London, Amsterdam, Paris ) with the connecting flight the next day and give me Crew Rest ( min. 11 hrs. ) in between.

- Arrive home the next day ( one day late ) without the 22 + hour marathon.

- Day Trade that day and go out the next rotation a day later.

No days off are lost, you arrive home somewhat rested, and you don't have to run a 22 hour marathon and feel like a zombie for 3 days.

Done. Problem solved.

D.S.


P.S. - If you HAVE to be home on your last day ( 25th Anniversary, Daughter's Wedding, Graduation etc. etc. which is just poor planning to begin with..) , start the above process a day or two earlier. Also, DXB-AMS is the best option, a nice A-380 ride on Emirates and then try and catch a Connie Bird Home from AMS-JFK.