Sorry my friend, some like the lifestyle, I don’t. Just know what you’re getting into. It’s not all bad, but if I could do it over I would not have become a professional pilot.

On a positive note, we soon will have to pay for our travel benefits. :D

Watching HBO and the USA today? Common, man! There's plenty more to do than that. I guess it depends on your goals but....Go for a run or something. Use that boring time to train for a marathon or Triathlon maybe, minus the biking. I know a few pilots who bring their snowboards with them when they have trips to Steamboat, Aspen or other snowy destinations during the winter months. Even though the layover isn't that long, a couple of hours of night skiing is better than HBO. Just some thoughts on how to pass the time out of the hotel room. I'm not trying to bash here. ;)

Like others have said, the flying soon loses it's 'fun' factor, and it just becomes another grind. However, all in all, it's not a bad way to make money. It's nice not worrying about deadlines, sales quotas, etc. I find myself liking flying not so much for the fun of flying, but moreso for not having to deal with what others do to make money. On the other hand, as we all know we sacrifice far too much for the low pay we get. It's pure hell on the family, and the stress of being away from the family, and commuting, or moving to domicile away from where you grew up with friends and family..etc, etc On top of that, in any other career if you were to be laid off, etc, you don't necessarily start back at the bottom, your experience negotiates a higher salary. Not here though, your airline goes under, you have to start all the way at the bottom. Experience doesn't mean squat in this backwards industry.

Then throw in the assanine protocols of the TSA, and how we as pilots are apparently the enemy, rude, demanding passengers that don't bother to thank you for flying them through the storm safely but rather ***** you out for a bumpy ride... sigh, this career is very thankless. This post probably came off as negative, but I didn't mean for it to. Each career has it's ugly sides and downfalls. You have to choose what is best for you. Personally, I'd slit my wrists if I had to report to a desk every day, so overall I'm happy doing this. Ask me again in 10 years and I may have changed my mind though!

Isn't that just a kick in the tennis balls!?! I'm not flying for a regional yet but the paying for travel benefits is an outrage! Will you have to pay full price or is it a discounted rate? I know at UAL they have a discounted rate but it's still ridiculous. I see it this way, if there are empty seats, what the hell is the harm in filling them? The company wasn't going to make money on those seats anyway so why not just fill them with someone who has travel benefits? It doesn't make sense to me.

Money
 

All of that takes money and for a married guy hanging out with co-workers can get you in trouble. After a while it becomes easier to simply stay in your room.

SkyHigh

If you look outside of the 121 market, things can be different. I spent 20 yrs flying with the military and did some things you couldn't even read about, but even that became a job after awhile. The fun cards do get used up after a few thousand hours. Look for something that will support where you want to live and the non-flying life you'd like to have. If that's in place... the flying will be much more rewarding. If that means part 135, corporate, or government. The salaries are all about the same unless you can work yourself into one of the majors. The rush of new RJ jobs are actually prior major jobs that are being turned over to the regionals, so don't get your hopes up. It really is a younger man's game now.. Who can deal with the BS longer wins. If you're young enough.. try the military. After 10 yrs you're making six figures and a retirement at 20 yrs.

You have to admit it's nice coming in on final over a 5 mile rush hour back up of cars. I know when I'm stuck in traffic all I want to do is take off! :)

(I'm definitely being bias here) Not for me. With the exception of sitting in the airplane for hours, when I get off duty I am going for a jog, swim,, jump rope, shadow boxing and the gym if the hotel has one. I'm the type that has to keep moving or I'll feel like crap the next day. Even after a 16 hour duty day, I'll be doing something. Doing basic cardiovascular calisthenics does not take money. I can't remember the last time I paid someone to go for a swim, a run or do some pushups. Anyway, like I said, just some thoughts on how to pass the time.

What happens if you break your leg? Is that workmans comp?:D

LOL! If you're on reserve, maybe? :D