Originally Posted by rickair7777

Pilots generally need to accumulate about 75-85 hours per month (lots of variables but that's reasonable for this discussion. So lets say you want to credit 15 hours/trip and do 3-day trips.

Pilots get paid basically when the plane is moving. At better airlines (generally majors) they generally also get paid if they spend a lot of time parked on layovers.

Since it takes typically one hour + to turn an aircraft, if you do five one-hour regional legs you're going to work 12 hours and get paid 5. So that's three long, hard days to get 15 hours. This is worst case for regionals, many legs are actually longer.

If you fly a transcon you work seven, get paid six. May have a 24+ hour layover, get paid 5-6 for that too. Then come do one leg back. So you worked 2-3 days and got paid about 15-18.

Long-haul is even better, work one leg and get paid 10-14. You'll rotate through in flight rest periods so you're actually sleeping for part of that but still getting paid. Repeat on the return trip and you credit 30-30 hours for the trip, usually closer to 30. Only have to do that 2-3 times each month.

Day trips, aka "Locals" or "Turns" are available in some bases and they often go senior. The big advantage is that you're home every night, the downside is driving to the airport, dealing with parking and TSA every day. You may have to work more days if the local trips are shorter distances, but if it's 3+ hours one way it can be pretty efficient.



Details vary but benefits are generally pretty standard across industry segments. "Good" regionals are slightly better than bottom feeders.

Top-tier/legacy majors are slightly better than LCC, which should all be better than any regional.

The only time specific benefits really matter much is you have some specific circumstances...

Chronic health issues with a family member, might want to research who has the best health insurance.

If you have a health issue which puts you at risk for losing your medical, make sure your airline has a good disability program (either company provided, or a pilot group plan that you can buy into).