I've been here 5 months or so flying the line for 3. Here are my observations:
Overall it’s a pretty good job if this is what you want to do. If you want to fly a very well maintained modern machine, travel the world (and actually get time on the ground to see it), stay in nice hotels, and make a good sum of money this might be the place for you. If you expect to be home every night or fly 3 day trips and 4 or five days off, this isn't the place for you. Try SWA, JB, or Airtran or better you consider the banking profession.
I haven't seen STN since I've been here and with any luck I won't. Generally people (even the AACS guys) don't live in the UK it's expensive and the quality of life isn't as good as it is other places in Europe. When you are STN based the company will buy you a ticket from anywhere on the continent (within reason). The tix they buy contractually have to be biz class (if avail) so that gives you a decent sum of $ to play with. Sometimes you can even get them to buy you tickets from the states of equal or lesser value (I've done it a couple of times they are quite reasonable about this if you ask). If you live in central EU the train is a great alternate means.
The schedules are very shall we say fluid. It’s been said, "You’re not home until you're home!" There is some truth to that. Contractually you owe the company 17 days the others are off days. They can (and do so I hear) take up to four of your off days from you involuntarily, but the must compensate you at a graduated additional rate. It can be quite lucrative if you can stand it.
On that note. Regardless of what you might think or what people say you can make a serious amount of money here if you are willing to work. Mind you this ain't fedex/ups. You ain't gonna make 10gs sitting at home or flying guarantee. This is a place where you sell your time for money. There are guys here and polar who make well in excess of 200k (they are the extremes of course, but it is possible). Like any airline job you work the system and you can get what you want/need!
Regardless of what others say I enjoy it here. The flying is challenging and its own reward. The crews are generally a fun lot. It’s a very laid back kind of gig. Go, fly, earn, and come home. I came into this with my eyes open. It is not without its shortcomings, but overall I am satisfied with my choice. The CBA is the CBA, but it was their first one. If you got everything you wanted on the first try would you even need a union anymore, this area will improve over time.
You may hear from a lot of guys who are burnt out or don't like this or that, but you know what I say to that "Vote with your feet"! If it ever gets to that point for me I may have to make that decision and will do so. No job is ever worth more discomfort than you can bear.
Hope that helps
