Contrary to the above post, Guam was actually pretty senior for L-CAL, though with the SLI, it looks a bit different. It is, however, full, and none of the guys are planning to leave because it is such an enjoyable base. It isn't called the Island of Misfit Toys for no reason.

The longest legs are Hong Kong, Chitose and Cairns, all of which are more than 5 hours in one direction.

It's 737 only (4 -700's, and 8 -800's, with a couple of loaners from the States), with a pair of 777's that come in from the States to serve HNL and NRT. There is no talk of a new fleet type, but the rumor is that if we start doing more mainland China, we might need a couple of -900's. We start Shanghai soon, but for now, that is all.

Guam isn't for everyone. Many think the COLA is money in the bank. It's not....Guam is expensive, and for 99% of the pilots, it's spent before it's ever seen.

 

I should point out, though, that stranger things have happened. One GUM FO is taking an emergency transfer back to the Mainland. The company may or may not opt to fill that spot at this time, though they don't really need to.

 

Did it for a year and had a blast, if you can get it you won't regret going out there. Fun times.

 

Sounds like fun, bum around the South Pacific, hit up Asia and Australia sometimes, come back home and relax on the beach with the wife.

Is the basic cost of living (small apartment, food, etc.) more than $3,000 a month? Is it safe for a female by herself half the month?

 

The island is safe for families. There is some petty theft but very little violent crime. Rent is $2000 and up. Electricity and food are very expensive. As stated in a previous post the extra $3000 is spent before you get it. It's a great experience but it is not for everyone.

 

Electricity is not always reliable either, southern parts of the island have issues keeping the taps running sometimes.

The north part of the island is a giant limestone plateau, and the cancer rates are higher up there. Make sure not to live in a basement or an area with poor airflow.

The summers are rough (heat/humidity), winters are great.

 

OH NO!!! Not the FLYING MONKEES!!!!

 

DJ,
I lived with my family on Guam the last year, and now split my time between there and the States. Violent crime seems to be on the rise, but still relatively low.

My wife spent time by herself on island with my kids, but you have to take certain precautions, as petty crime is very common. For example, I had a prescription stolen from my car.

As for the cost of living it's outrageous: gas is $5/gallon, milk is $10/gallon, eggs fluctuate from 90 cents to more than a $1 each, meat in the store is similar in price to what you'd pay in a restaurant in the States. We had a 2 bedroom apartment, and it was a struggle to keep the electricity bill to $300 a month. Anything any bigger, and your bill will start at $500, and as noted, it isn't always reliable, especially in the summer. Water was $60-70 a month, but we had a dishwasher, which "only the rich" on Guam have.

Guam is often called the island of misfit toys, and for good reason. I love it, and hope to eventually move back for good, but it is NOT for everyone. You are completely removed from everything you are used to.

 

Is that like the Island of Misfit Mascots?

 

If there's a movie theater and Internet, I'm good. Thanks for all that information! And on the Retirement Plans too.