Originally Posted by 654G

Like many others, in a less favorable position, I'm trying to get factual, unemotional information, so that I can make a decision about joining the company.

Since my recent post above, there have been six replies, only one of which, provided a useful piece of information - crew don't get crew meals - that's a big cost, and a big QOL issue - is that clear cut, or do you get access to meals on the airplane (not a great option, if available, but better than nothing).

If someone reading the thread can provide factual/practical information, rather than opinion (which is thoroughly documented in many other threads), that would be most welcome.

To say that it is half or a quarter of what you should, or otherwise make, is not helpful - what does it even mean, what's your benchmark, and this thread isn't about that. You documented on another thread, how much is your family's combined income - over six times the average income of a first year pilot. Can you please either provide the information, which some of us need, or channel your frustrations to the many other threads available.

The question was pretty basic, and one person in particular gave the most helpful piece of information I have yet seen (though a big thanks to others who tried to give perspective) - no emotion, no opinion, and totally informative.

I, and others have read about how bad things are - medical plan has often been touted. Can someone, please, illustrate that with an average cost of premium, cost of a doctor visit, something practical - I realize that people may opt for different plans - but something that we can hang our hat on, as we try to figure out what kind of financial situation we are going to find ourselves in.

In a nutshell. When you got your $40K odd the first year, and after you'd taken care of the basic obligations, both governmental and family, what were you left with. If you could stretch that to year 2 or 3, that would even be better.

Thanks