International layovers

[linecheck]

For the pilots out there who are flying international trips: how long are your typical layovers, both contractually and in the actual scheduled operation? If you don't mind in your response, could you write which carrier and aircraft type you're with to provide an accurate comparison?

Thanks- :beer:

 

[ATRCA]

I don't think I've ever had a layover in Europe less than about 25 hrs. South America and the Caribbean not so. Some of the layovers in Europe are 2 days or more in the winter.

CAL

Why do you ask?

 

[linecheck]

Thanks... the reason I ask is that my present employer is running us fairly ragged due to a significant shortage of pilots. Yes, the pilot shortage has arrived, and it can be seen right here in Asia. Our average trip begins late in the evening, with about 10hrs of duty, followed by about 24hrs off, and then departing again on the inbound. Basically, a red-eye flip/flop. Occasionally, we'll duty-on at midnight, get in at 7am, 12hrs off, then another midnight duty followed by 24hrs off, and then finally depart on the early morning inbound arrival. That, in and of itself isn't bad, but we do these kind of trips back to back, continuously, with no time to recover in between. The word 'zombie' now carries new meaning.

So I'm just trying to get some perspective as to how other international carriers are scheduling their pilots- that's all.

Thanks again for the info-

 

[Dan Roman]

Out of HNL to Asia/Australia generally an afternoon departure with about 25 hours than a red eye home. First class seat and a bunk below for crew rest.
Up to 18 days off. As with any type of flying, healthy food, some excersise pay good dividends as well as not too much alcohol. Talk to a good holistic medical practioner about melatonin to find the right dose may help and be very leery of Ambian.
HAL. A330

 

[Andy]

I'm new to L-CAL's system and junior reserve. I've been aggessively picking up trips so that I have control over my schedule. I've picked up a few trips with Caribbean layovers.

Glancing through my logbook:
SJU (San Juan) - 15 hr layover
BQN (Aguadilla, Puerto Rico) - 25 1/2 hr layover
POS (Port of Spain, Trinidad) - 27 hr layover

I've looked at other trips to Caribbean/Mexico/Latin America and they all seem to have ~24 hr layovers.

This is on the 737.


I've never had a problem feeling fatigued with the type of flying you're describing but different strokes for different folks.

 

[ATRCA]

Andy, bid the 756! Reserve life is far better on the 75.

 

[SWA Bubba]

I just fly six legs per day, everyday, then end up in Lubbock for 14 hours, and then do it again the next day. Southwest, 737.

Wait... does LBB count as international?...

Bubba

 

[waveflyer]

I remember those 26 hour layovers- completely flipping your body clock in one day....
Ouch

 

[Andy]

Andy, bid the 756! Reserve life is far better on the 75.

My big problem is my commute. Since I live in TUS (wife finishing up her military career), my best choice of domiciles is LAX. There are 11 daily nonstops TUS-LAX while there are only 3 nonstops TUS-IAH.

I don't see getting a 756 to LAX any time soon but 737 is possible. A more convenient commute will improve my QOL dramatically.

 

[AA717driver]

Wait... does LBB count as international?...

Bubba

No, but McAllen and ELP do...


TC