MikeC5

Thanks.

Appreciate the tip on the domicile. Believe me, she rules those decisions, so I wouldn't be forcing her anywhere haha.

I asked because I've heard that UPS pilots are miserable on several occasions. This seemed like a nicer way to broach the subject and see if any actually had fun. I happen to like my job and if I had the chance to go Brown I'd like to like it there too. I'm a workout guy and just want time to run, maybe check out a local restaurant or something. If all my layovers are purely managing sleep, yeah, that would get old over 25 years.

howardhughes8

A high percentage of our domestic system flying is get to Hotel 5-7am local, depart Hotel in the evening 7-9pm local. So 12-15 hours in Hotel during the day. Some folks like to sleep as much as possible nonstop, others like to sleep 4-5 hours, workout, lunch/dinner, then another 2-3 before leaving for Gateway. But in general, you have plenty of time to sleep, get a good workout in (most Hotels have crappy gyms), have a relaxed lunch/dinner, chill for a while and back at it.

MikeC5

Thanks.

I've done plenty of midnight shift work in the past, but that was all pre-kids/family life. Now time on the road is more important because it some of the only time I can get ling runs in etc. Some guys want to be home every night... I'm not one of them. They can have all the base turns they want.

Seems like getting assigned domestic fleet/trips is pretty luck of the draw in class (seniority as well of course). Being able to drive to PHL in an hour, would the 76Z be possible? I'm always watching those leave PHL on flightaware. If not, I'd just have to wait out the seat lock and system bid?

howardhughes8

You will most likely get 75/76 or AB. No base locks, meaning if assigned ONT, you can opt for SDF/MIA or Z next system bid. The “good” Z flying is very senior, junior guys doing reserve or crappy domestic stuff. You may get lucky on occasion with a VTO line, but plan on crap first couple of years on Z.

If assigned AB, MD or 74, you are seat locked for 2 years, could potentially stretch to 3 the way system bids fall.

We are all waiting to see how the upcoming 74 SDF system bid will play out.

Rocket Bob

I never had any “fun” in the domestic system. I have a lot of fun on the international side. I was just trying to survive domestically. Good thing about this place, guys find their niche and stay with it. Lots of people have no interest in international, so if that’s what you’d like, you’ll get it shortly

FTv3

I’ve met a couple of guys who live within an hour or two of PHL. Good deal for them. Easy commute IMO.

I’m one of the ones who has posted about sleep being a priority on layovers at this company, but certainly not to the extent which you would be (generally speaking) prohibited from leaving the hotel. Short overnights are the same here as they are anywhere else. Mostly depends on hotel location.

As far as having fun, these boys and gals generally aren’t a slam clicking group. Craziest thing I heard was a group on a Cologne layover going down to a track (Hockenheim?) to drive an F1 car or ride in one, something like that. Guys will go skiing in Europe, Calgary, Japan, and even in Almaty I’ve heard. I’ve seen a bunch of golf bags on the crew luggage racks, I know guys that bring their kite surf gear, many others bring their bikes, one guy told me he had an inflatable kayak (might have been a love doll though...). I’ve gone shooting in Dallas, surfing in Hawaii, GoKart racing in Shanghai, snorkeling in Sydney, hiked and bikes extensively (along Rhine stopping at little Bière gardens was especially memorable), seen multiple concerts, walked numerous cities, ate tons of excellent food, met friends and hung out all over the world... Tapas and Sangria hopping in Madrid stands out. Watching world/euro cup games in Europe when the home country is playing is particularly exciting. The tennis guys bring their racquets a get a good amount of court time on the road. A lot of guys rent motorcycles and in some really cool places too. One advantage of this job is that carrying an extra bag of gear really isn’t an issue, but as you can see the guys here do take advantage of the layovers, whenever possible. Depends on the trip and the crew. On the flip side I am often too tired to leave the hotel or stray too far. We joke about guys going to the same local restaurant in Germany over and over again - it’s partly for this reason.

I wouldn’t classify this group as miserable in any regard. Our contract, pay, QOL, etc holds its own against any of the contracts out there. The night flying is a challenge but manageable. Interaction with the company is difficult, unpleasant at times and probably the source of the ‘miserable’ impression. Overall I’ve found it to be a fairly social group, everyone looking out for each other, with a solid union and leadership.

FTv3

We have numerous guys that do Ironman tri’s and a couple finishing in the sub 12 hr range...

Busflyer

What FTv3 said.

I’ve had more fun flying on the Z domicile than anywhere. I’m not a slam clicker and we have many pilots during these layovers who are eager to get out and “do” something.

As far as the comment about UPS pilots being miserable, I don’t see that at all. (Other than that 5% that all airlines have.)

BoilerUP

Don't believe everything you read on the internet or hear in a crew lounge...

FWIW, I have little issue sleeping, running 4-6mi and getting a good meal in on nearly any of our scheduled domestic layovers.

Precontact

Love domestic flying but I fly daytime lines and live in domicile. People like to pick on Louisville but living there completely transforms this job.