International Commuting
 

I'm thinking of commuting between Bogota Colombia and Houston. Does anyone have experience doing this? Is it possible? Input?

Yeah, the shuttle america F.O. that recently got arrested after landing for being a coke mule.:D

http://buzzpo.com/airline-pilot-arre...rugs-back-u-s/

Know of at least one FO and one CA that do that same commute (one might have been Medillin). One had done Columbia to both EWR and to IAH. Both said it was very doable and not that expensive. I always ask about departure taxes in places I've never been but I don't recall it being outrageous. Also know of a few others that commute from various places in Mexico. Consensus seems to be that the only time you may run into trouble is around Christmas time when the flights to/from Latin American are at their fullest. Hopes it helps!

That helps a lot. Thanks for your input!

Wow. Unbelievable

I commute from the U.S. to the Pacific. The hitch with international commuting is that you need to pay particular attention to the number of flight options, as they tend to vary more than domestic. Also, some carriers require 24 hours notice for international jumpseating, and maybe some other hoops.

You need to know what your options are for international flights.

I think that might be my biggest concern. I need to make sure I am able to get on the flights and that there are multiple options available. I'm nervous about what immigrations will think about me commuting. I guess I'll know more soon.

Good luck with that! Sounds tiring and expensive.

Do some serious research and enjoy if it works!

blaine, keep in mind that you'll be paying taxes each time you nonrev internationally. Definitely figure that into your cost planning based on your company's benefits.

Never heard of anyone having any problems with it whatsoever. Sign up for Global Entry and be done with it. Best $100 you'll ever spend as an international commuter. The guys I mentioned earlier even talked about two-legging it through Mexico and Panama with no problems. More expensive, yes but options. It's all about your planning. As was mentioned before, trying to travel internationally and listing requirements will limit your options somewhat as will international jumpseat agreements (such as American and their stingy international jumpseat rules).

I know it seems ridiculous to pay $30-50 each week to get to work, but the guys I have known that do it say that is chump change compared to the lifestyle they can afford on FO pay in some of these places. (Yes you read that right, FIRST OFFICER 'PAY' at a REGIONAL).

I could see it getting a little spendy when you start throwing some ZEDs or ID90s in your back pocket for a rainy day, but that sounds like it would really be a once in a while backup plan.

I'm sure it's possible, I know an AAL pilot with one family in Texas and another family in Columbia!

Thanks guys. My fiancee is from Colombia and will likely find it easier to get a job there straight out of engineering school. We think about a year of experience there will be the key to landing a permanent job in the petroleum industry in the US. At that point we will be able to set up shop in Houston (base) and there will be no more commuting and QOL will improve a lot. It will likely only be for about a one year. I'll check our Global Entry tomorrow. Anything to make the process more doable will be welcomed. I also agree that the better cost of living will make any immigration fees almost a non issue. We'll see...

Immigration isn't going to care one iota. There are business travelers that come and go several times a month.

As for Global Entry, it's one of the best deals going. Definitely do it.

Do you know what the departure tax is. I was there in March but forget what I paid. I wonder if there is any way around paying every time.

More than a few FDX guys commute from Mem To central and South America.

It's doable but it really depends most on what the schedules are like at your company.

Colombia departure tax
 

Departure tax out of Colombia is $38, unless your stay has been less than 60 days. In that case you have to go make a huge line in an office where they stamp your passport with the exemption. (it was about 40 minutes long the last time I was there).

Which carriers are these, I'd like to know for future reference.

Yup, I remember now. No tax under 60 days. I'd never be there for that long at a time so it looks like I'll not pay a tax. However, I do wonder how long it will take before they start seeing me as more than a tourist. I might call the embassy and ask a few questions.

Gents,
ALPA provides a pretty good JS guide on the website that you can download. When it comes to the particulars of international travel, my suggestion is to start with your own carriers Travel Department, followed by a phone call/email to your union's JS rep.

As for taxes, plan on swiping a credit card (or paying cash if that is the protocol, as it is in some places).

Hope that helps...

As was said before, as far as Customs and Immigration are concerned no body cares. You're not the first guy to live in one country and work in another and to travel between the two several times a month. I'd be more concerned about doing your taxes come April 15th (or whenever you file in Columbia).

Note: Assuming you are a US citizen/permanent resident.

Commuting internationally sucks.
I was on paid tickets and had a guaranteed seat and it still sucked.