MAX
11-21-2020, 04:30 AM
#116
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2008
Position: 737 CAPT
Posts: 1,900
I’m starting to sound like an aging widebody FO that has no interest in being a captain until I can hold the good European trips........ oh wait, I’ve been that guy for years. Being a NB captain flying multiple legs a day, dealing with the passenger and flight attendant drama, short layovers, and unproductive trips sounds too much like work. Hopefully the long haul flying will come back before this LOA terminates so that I don’t have to upgrade just to avoid NB FO pay.
Maybe a generality or maybe after so many years I have a different take on what I normally consider drama vs. this new drama I'm seeing. As for passengers? Yes, I agree. The number of those issues has gone way up, but our FAs have always seemed to get it handled.
11-21-2020, 07:51 PM
#117
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,321
Funny. I've been a narrow body guy for over 13 years and can count on one hand the number of FA issues I've encountered prior to this Fall. Since then? Well, lets say a few more than that. In common? All former international FAs "forced" to fly domestic trips now after many many many years of not doing so.
Maybe a generality or maybe after so many years I have a different take on what I normally consider drama vs. this new drama I'm seeing. As for passengers? Yes, I agree. The number of those issues has gone way up, but our FAs have always seemed to get it handled.
Maybe a generality or maybe after so many years I have a different take on what I normally consider drama vs. this new drama I'm seeing. As for passengers? Yes, I agree. The number of those issues has gone way up, but our FAs have always seemed to get it handled.
11-22-2020, 10:02 AM
#118
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,111
Perhaps drama was the wrong word. How about hassle? On the WB, there are just 2 legs per trip, 2 briefings, things seem to run more reliably, and fewer days on the road. On the NB you have to deal with 2-3 (sometimes more) legs per day, crew changes, briefings, better chance of delays bouncing through the hubs for 3-4 days........ Being on a WB is definitely a slower pace, more relaxed, and far more productive. For only $40k difference in pay, I’ll take my time in the bunk, pass on all of the extra work, and end up home an extra 50-60 days per year. Again, it’s great to have a choice as to what kind of flying that you want to do.
11-22-2020, 11:08 AM
#119
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,321
I’ve done both, and IMO the variable that is so difficult to quantify if the toll that a steady diet of WB flying takes on one’s body. Constant circadian rhythm disruptions aren’t healthy. I think how well one can rest in a bunk, adapt on a layover, and get reaclimated are factors involved in choosing the type of flying one does. Throw in long layovers where it can be easy to overeat and drink if you’re not careful, and it’s a recipe for poor health. I envy guys who can do it without feeling whipped at the end of a trip half way around the world.
11-22-2020, 12:05 PM
#120
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,111
I’m one of those people who actually feel better flying WB, but I don’t act like most WB pilots. I sleep like a rock in the bunk, and I’m not much fun on a layover. I take a good nap when I get to the hotel, get some exercise, have a healthy meal, don’t drink alcohol, and then back to sleep. On go home day, I have a nice breakfast, sleep well in the bunk, and get home that night. I’m usually pretty tired, but I just go to bed, get a good night sleep, and feel fine the next day. Domestic is harder for me. Irregular hours, short layovers, delays, weather, extra workload, and still commute. The best thing that I’ve found for my health is the last 8 months of staying home. Eventually going back to work is going to be an adjustment.
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