Netjets
Here is my attempt at answering your queries...all subject to change with "The Contract" but this is how it has been for my three years...
1 - 26 (I think) Gateway cities you can choose from. Must be within 3 hours or 100 miles on Day 1 of tour.
2 - Dreaded Deadheading (Biggest downer) Being a west coaster I usually start with a short airline out west somewhere to meet a plane (not always) but almost always end up on the east coast with a marathon last day airlining home. Good part of this is the Airline miles add up quick, as well as FF status which equals free upgrades.
3 - Time off. 7 on 7 off for 50% of each fleet by seniority and bidding. Sunday thru Saturday or Tuesday thru Monday. Tuesday start is the most popular. It is bid quarterly so you can change start dates each quarter if you want, or time it to get 2 weeks off every quarter change. Sweet! And vacation is 2 weeks per year which equals 6 weeks for the 7n7 guys. Others get the 17 day schedule, usually 2 - 6 day trips and a 5 day trip. Can also bid flex schedule to work 19 days per month at the company's whim with only 4 hard days off, haven't tried that yet but it pays more.
4 - Upgrade time. Pretty slow for a while now, but just started seeing trickle of bids coming out recently and expecting a lot more.
5 - Pay. Sucks right now.
6 - Attitude. Suprisingly good considering long negotiations, I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel mentality right now though (But I think it is the train coming) You either love this type of flying or hate it. No idea where you will end up and for how long. Schedule changes constantly, sometimes en route. Takes a very flexible person to stay at this.
7 - Favorites. I like the variety of locations, and the lack of major hub airports we have to fly into. We get into them now and then, but not like the majors. I have seen enough of that in my previous life. Give me a small uncontrolled strip in mountains anyday!
Here is my attempt at answering your queries...all subject to change with "The Contract" but this is how it has been for my three years...
1 - 26 (I think) Gateway cities you can choose from. Must be within 3 hours or 100 miles on Day 1 of tour.
2 - Dreaded Deadheading (Biggest downer) Being a west coaster I usually start with a short airline out west somewhere to meet a plane (not always) but almost always end up on the east coast with a marathon last day airlining home. Good part of this is the Airline miles add up quick, as well as FF status which equals free upgrades.
3 - Time off. 7 on 7 off for 50% of each fleet by seniority and bidding. Sunday thru Saturday or Tuesday thru Monday. Tuesday start is the most popular. It is bid quarterly so you can change start dates each quarter if you want, or time it to get 2 weeks off every quarter change. Sweet! And vacation is 2 weeks per year which equals 6 weeks for the 7n7 guys. Others get the 17 day schedule, usually 2 - 6 day trips and a 5 day trip. Can also bid flex schedule to work 19 days per month at the company's whim with only 4 hard days off, haven't tried that yet but it pays more.
4 - Upgrade time. Pretty slow for a while now, but just started seeing trickle of bids coming out recently and expecting a lot more.
5 - Pay. Sucks right now.
6 - Attitude. Suprisingly good considering long negotiations, I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel mentality right now though (But I think it is the train coming) You either love this type of flying or hate it. No idea where you will end up and for how long. Schedule changes constantly, sometimes en route. Takes a very flexible person to stay at this.
7 - Favorites. I like the variety of locations, and the lack of major hub airports we have to fly into. We get into them now and then, but not like the majors. I have seen enough of that in my previous life. Give me a small uncontrolled strip in mountains anyday!
