This is one of the biggest take aways, as well as points I realized a LONG time ago.

If one wants to do adult things, and try to progress in life as an adult by buying a home, having kids, etc it often DOESN'T mix very well on multiple levels. Assuming the pilot is the bread winner/higher income earner. And for those caught in the toilet bowl of post 9/11/high oil prices/age 65/recession and the extended term as an FO as well a regional pilot in general, every year that does by your a year OLDER. Still trying to chase the "gold ring"/legacy job that will make it way easier to provide the house and family while other parts of life can be passing you by.

Of course, that DOESN'T apply to everybody. I made the point in another thread. The amount of senior/lifers at the regional with a good schedule and W2 is on the decline, and will STAY that way.

That's of course unless you're LarryDavid

 

Of course not EVERY; but MANY MANY other jobs require travel.
Pilots seem to think they are alone in this traveling - like it was a surprise when they hired on.
If a traveling vacuum salesmen came on this forum and complained on time on the road I imagine that you would make fun of him; or at least while he took a job as a traveling vacuum salesman if he didn't like to travel or felt time away from the family was too great.

 

That's true, I probably would....

Historically, at least at eagle, there was always a reasonable expectation that one could do commute. I believe that can no longer be an expectation. These trips are probably be here to stay.

Just a public service announcement to prospective Eaglers...

I am a bit surprised that regionals don't start eliminating overnights all together. They would save a bundle on hotel cost.

 

Good points USMC, but it is slightly apples to oranges in A LOT of cases.

Pilots seem to think they are alone in this traveling - like it was a surprise when they hired on.[/quote]

That's true, it's in the brochure, it's ALWAYS been in the brochure, and not even in the fine print. It ALWAYS cracked me up to hear pilots complain that there weren't any day trips or 2 day trips to bid on. Well, being a pilot means you HAVE to spend time away from home. During the hurricanes and storms, many crews could be out well past the 4 days and they're flipping out having a conniption fit.

Valid point, but it circles back around to apples and oranges.

The people I know that travel for their job (Pharma, IT sales/consulting, etc) make more than most regional pilots do. They stay in better hotels than regional pilots do. They ALSO get treated BETTER by their employers than regional pilots do. They get a higher (way higher) per-diem than regional pilots do. So again, it's apples to oranges

 

actually those others you are discussing travel on company business and get paid for it or are reimbursed for there costs, whereas a pilot commuting to work does not and is standby and left at the mercy of the gate agent. Or have I missed something.

 

That's all assumed/given.

 

How about living within your means? i.e min. guarantee? Those who strongly depends on Overtime, will suffer in the end.

 

Who said I depend on overtime? I guess you have it all figured out now. I can survive and pay the bills on min guarantee. But why do the bare minimum? Why not be a hard working individual and make more?

 

I carry a cooler, I do buy some meals while on a trip and go out but make my own meals when able but I don't pack a huge lunch box,

 

I am only talking the aspect of being gone - not how well you are paid or treated while on the road. That is an aspect of the job.
BUT....while we are using examples - I'll throw in a real life example.
My sister, who works for the Oklahoma DHS, travels extensively - by state vehicle which greatly limits her freedom when traveling in a state car - makes less than MOST regional pilots, stays at hotels in smaller towns than most regionals would travel too (meaning many of her towns are so small that they don't even have airports much less ones with 121 service, and is a State Gov't employee, so you're just a small cog in a huge machine. She doesn't get 14 days off a month, no chance for overtime (I think she might get some comp time when her driving takes her over the hours), no picking up open time, etc....

Sorry John Carr but on this point we'll just have to say that apples to oranges is fair enough to convince ME that the 'poor me' attitude when it comes to traveling for an airline job ought to be no surprise, and the quality of life while traveling varies greatly with different jobs. My sister might be able to leave her job, a pilot who hates life for whatever reason can convince themselves that they are stuck - or not. Choices. It is what makes America great right?

Sebastian - I can see where there is an expectation that one would be able to commute in the airlines industry. It certainly seems that it would have been that way set on precedent. If in fact certain scheduling practices are put in place that make commuting impossible for a group of pilots, then that is unfortunate and I'm sure it will a hardship for the pilots and their families involved. I found it much easier to move earlier in life. I move 8 times in my first three years in the military. I then moved often over the remaining 17 years in the military. Now that I am older and have tried to find a job and an area to throw down some roots for some time I'm would not be happy about having to pick up and move. I've been in my present location for 3 years come November and it amazes me that in my past life I'd be planning my next move right about now.

What - I generally use 50% of my per diem during trips and I eat out three meals a day when traveling. Luckily - the breakfast is usually free at the hotel, and if lunch happens to be at an FBO that has a cheap lunch then that helps too. I definitely enjoy a healthy dinner out with the crew though - it makes for good crew dynamics.