Intl vs Domestic

[psysicx]

It seems a lot of people want fly international.Then there are others who would fly domestic routes for twenty years.Is flying international that great or does it depend.Just looking for the pros and cons of both.Thanks

 

[profile]

I personally prefer International. A lot more variation, more challenging and I enjoy learning and interacting with people of different cultures, trying new things and tasting new foods, etc.

 

[typhoonpilot]

I would say it depends a lot on what you like. I have done a lot of both and they both have positives and negatives. With Domestic flying you tend to stay near your home time zone, if not entirely within it. With International you can very easily go 12 times zones out. That takes a big toll on the body, especially the longer you do it. With International you also tend to be away from your home and family for longer periods of time. If you have young children at home that puts a strain on your marriage and stress on you for missing your kids events. My wife absolutely forbids me from flying the 11 day Melbourne trip and when our son is born I won't want to do it either.

As profile says, the variety of International can be very interesting and helps to keep things fresh. When I get tired of going to Asia, I'll bid Europe trips. When I get tired of Europe, I'll try to do trips to Africa and around the Middle East. The layovers tend to be longer as well, we have very few layovers less than 24 hours and many up in the 48 and 72 hour range. It is a good way to explore the world.

It would be nice if the U.S. airlines did aircraft bidding like some of the European airlines. Pay by seniority only. At places that do that it tends to be the younger guys who bid for International and the older ones who stay domestic. Unfortunately, in the U.S. you have to fly International as you get older to maximize your income and retirement.


Typhoonpilot

 

[psysicx]

Thanks for the info.The reason I was asking is there are lots of people who want to go to say Southwest but then there are some who say that would be boring.So I was looking for opinons.Also it seems that at Fedex and UPS the international flying is 12 days on right.Is that tough with family.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

It all depends on you.

Some would be happy flying Dallas-Tampa all day long..I for one wouldn't.

Some like to be home each night. I hate driving to the airport, rather do it once a month and do a 9 day trip overseas. Im happy doing about 80% International flying. Only domestic I care to do are to spots where there are good friends or family.

I personally find the Intl stuff more fun, on the corporate side your schedule stays more on track as slots/overflight permits, etc..take some time to arrange (mostly outside Europe) Last minute changes just dont happen like they can in the US.

I imagine airline flying differs somewhat as European/Asian airports can be 1hr+ from the cities and many could wind up staying at airport hotels. Might as well be in Burbank CA. Its good to have about 48 hrs to get downtown and do some exploring before having to move on.

I also think the younger guys/gals like doing to the Intl stuff more as the older guys get burned out on it after years..just the nature of it I suppose.

Another downside is the occasional trip where your clock just gets screwed up. Doing long legs at odd hours and being backwards on your sleep -- dead tired in the plane and wide awake in the hotel -- can get old..To myself it only happens a few times a year max, but its pure hell on a long worldwide trip.

just some thoughts...

 

[semperfido]

a little of each is ideal....too much of anything gets old.

 

[profile]

For FedEx, you can do 2 day International trips up through 14 days, just depends on what you want to bid and your seniority. 2 day trips to STN or CDG, etc. go pretty senior due to lots of days off. Plenty of trips inbetween 2 and 14 days also.

 

[empenage]

It depends on your definition of "International".

 

[profile]

Most consider Europe to be International, although it's not the round the world type trip, which are a min of about 8 days.

 

[DashTrash400]

International to Canada Rocks!

Yep, those Seattle-Edmonton trips are highly sought after at my company, much more exotic than say Helena or Boise! With road signs in french and english, speed limits in km/hr, bland food, and everybody smoking like mad, it's like a one-night visit to Europe!