Very true ! The trick lies in finding a good contract. I'm on my second expat contract (first in the ME and now Japan) and so far very content with my decision, especially since I get to live almost halve a month in the States. I'm in my mid 30s with all the bells and whistles (4 year degree, TPIC, heavy international time,clean record etc ), will I ever return to the US airline scene, well, at this point I just don't know.

Aussie:

Late to join this thread, but way back when (about 2001), I flew with the Capt you mentioned. We were SFO-based.

He was EXTREMELY senior, so I don't think he was hired in 1993; I think he had been flying the 747-400 since '93.

He commuted because his wife was Australian.

Dominican,

One of your guys just joined us here in FJ. Great bloke. Speaks very highly of Air Japan.

Iflysky,

Interesting you mention half the month back in the US. Can you give a hint as to your company/type/seat or maybe a PM if possible? There are still 330 jobs in Skymark that may be of interest to some mates but I don’t know anyone there.

Cheers all

We have several QF guys here that were given a leave and they all say the same thing, that they don't expect to ever be called back:(

@oicur12...., I know exactly who you are talking about and he is indeed a fantastic person...., Send my regards..!

Air Japan to FJ, is that a good thing?

Well, there you go. UAL, Delta, AA and the gang really don't care about your experience or skill. Frequently these attributes are considered grounds for rejection.

Sure, I'm at Air Japan. Having worked at a US regional, a US low cost and then a major in the Middle East, this is by far the best contract I've been on. Yes, I know things have not always been smooth (especially in the last year or so after the merger), but for now, or at least from what I have experienced thus far, it has been absolutely fantastic ! Not easy and no for everyone, but maybe ok for me :)

Jealousy is a ***** ain't it ?!?! Keep on trolling !!!

It's not exactly the move he made badflaps..! Not going to post the guy's life story but he took a gig to go back home of sorts, and like many folks that have gone back just to find the same bad market they left many years ago, or not really finding what they were looking for or were promised, now re-venture into the expat market.

Aww ain't that cute? Somebody can't get their widdle interview and now their widdle feel feels are hurted.