International Commute

[FlyChicaga]

Anyone had any experience commuting internationally? Like Europe to US for work, or maybe Hawaii to the States? Just curious how that went. I've heard of some long commutes. Worth it?

 

[Flyingdutchman]

FC,

Are there any pilots at XJT commuting to and from Europe? that's a long commute..

 

[FlyChicaga]

I've heard of one I believe.

 

[Flyingdutchman]

Well, there are several pilots working for China Airlines and Cathay Pacific living in Europe, US and Australie..(commuting to and from HK)

Also I know of a Dutch guy working in China (captain EVA 747) who commutes from Amsterdam..

 

[Porch]

A bud of mine commutes from ORD to HNL for wasinc.com (??) JAL Express. ~2weeks on ~2weeks off. He likes it, only commutes 2x a month. On his down time in HNL he goes surfing and sailing....his wife can't stand it though... GLuck

 

[English]

I used to commute from LAX to HNL.

Easy, yes.

Worth it, no.

 

[dondk]

We have a 1 dude who commutes from NRT to DTW. He fairly senior though.

A few do HNL-MSP, most though have given up and moved closer to the base.

1 Captain is doing AMS to DTW, have not run into him lately though.

 

[Hawker rider]

I am planning to do a commute.... living in the US and flying out of Europe.

It will be tough, but only have to fly up and back two times a month. Would be nicer if the wife would consider moving to a better port though...... we'll see how it goes

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

I thought my commute from Hawaii to the mainland was long (and worth it), but I met a fellow on a flight one day who commutes from Australia to Puerto Rico. Hard to beat that one.

 

[FlyChicaga]

Carribean Sun pilot? I think I used to work with him. He was doing Australia to Chicago for a while, if it's the same guy.

I was talking to a F/A who is doing CDG-EWR. Made me wonder if that might be doable for a couple years...

 

[Flyingdutchman]

Where do you want to live FC?

anyway.. I know of at least 2 other guys doing the europe-usa commute..

One American guy living in the US who works for KLM (MD11), and one Dutch 747-200 captain at NWA who lives in the Netherlands...

 

[80/20]

Know of many that does it. Used to be easy to get jump seats but not anymore. Today most use non-rev tickets or some, that does not go back and forth too often, would even budget in buying verified seats at times. On some routes there are lots of flights. AA for example have about 5 direct flights each day from JFK to LHR. With the ZED tickets it is even easier

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

Carribean Sun pilot? I think I used to work with him. He was doing Australia to Chicago for a while, if it's the same guy.

Same cat. I think he worked 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off.

 

[FlyChicaga]

3 weeks on, 3 off ain't too bad. That still is one long-ass haul to work though!

 

[CrewResearch]

Commuting

I talk to a lot of crew because of my work.

I live in Hawaii: I have met a flock of guys who commute from here (any of several islands) to LAX, SFO, ORD -- and one who commutes to ATL. -- Not technically "international," but the distance is equivalent to a lot of international commutes.

Have talked to some Air France crews who commute from Guadeloupe and Martinique to CDG, and have been doing so for years.

Also talked to quite a few contract pilots for an assortment of Asian carriers who commute to SIN or HKG for example, from various ports in Europe and Australia. I know others who work out of DXB and "live" in England, Sweden, Norway, Germany.

One corporate FA I know commutes from SYD to GUM.

In sum, I think it happens quite a lot.

Do I think it's a good idea? Hey, that's MAX wear and tear!! But if you're up to it....

 

[FlyChicaga]

Where do you want to live FC?

Well honestly, I have a strong desire to live in Paris for a year. I enjoy the city, and think it would be an awesome experience to live abroad for a while. I figured that with my job, it would be impossible. But, I'm hearing more and more about people who make it work, so maybe it's a reality at some point. We'll see.

 

[80/20]

Worth it?

I would say that any commute longer than you have to isn't worth it if you can avoid it. People commute for many reasons. If you are single and do it for a period it's probably ok - just give yourself enough options to get to work on time. It will add stress to your life if you are concerned about getting to work because there is always the uncertainty of not getting on or that your flight cancels. Few people that I know will commute indefinitely unless there is a really strong reasons such as your spouse having a career and can't move. I know some that have commuted from Europe to the US for the last 10 years.

 

[Flyingdutchman]

why france!!! go to London, Amsterdam, Rome, Madrid.. !

Just kidding. Paris is a great city.. Don't forget to bring your creditcard..

 

[Flyingdutchman]

You are right. It's an awesome experience to live abroad for a while..
Goodluck!

 

[FlyChicaga]

Yeah I dunno! I studied French for 5 years, and went to Paris (and Europe) for the first time in December. It was so different than I imagined. Everyone was very cool and helpful, and I had a great time. The one thing everyone said was "you can't experience Europe on vacation." It's true. I have a friend living and working in London right now, and I'm very jealous. I'll have to give it some thought.

BTW... I figured I'd try to head back to Paris again soon. Which city should be next on my list to hit?

 

[Flyingdutchman]

Amsterdam.. I'm going this summer.. I'll show ya some nice places

 

[Gulfstream 200]

Yeah I dunno! I studied French for 5 years, and went to Paris (and Europe) for the first time in December. It was so different than I imagined. Everyone was very cool and helpful, and I had a great time. The one thing everyone said was "you can't experience Europe on vacation." It's true. I have a friend living and working in London right now, and I'm very jealous. I'll have to give it some thought.

BTW... I figured I'd try to head back to Paris again soon. Which city should be next on my list to hit?

Hit the Italian cities off season...Florence and Venice. Vienna and Prague also top my personal list...

Living in Paris?? I like Paris myself, I just cant fathom how one can afford to live there for a year, especially with the Euro at 1.30.

The good things about Paris simply require MONEY. - good restaurants, shows, etc.....

Only places less affordable are London and Moscow...

Good Luck!!

 

[FlyChicaga]

I'll have to do some exploring.

dutchman let me know the places that are cheap and clean. hehe​

 

[Vladimir Lenin]

Well honestly, I have a strong desire to live in Paris for a year

on an XJET f/o's salary? what are you planning on moonlighting as?