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US commuting.

Old 1st May 2008, 14:36
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US commuting.

I just completed the interwiew process at Cx and was successful..I currently live in Atlanta but am looking forward to moving back to Miami. I was just seeking any insight from any of the US based crews on how easy is it for them to move around weather by jumpseating or nonrev travel....eg. imm thinking of asking for JFK or an ATL basing, would it be impossible commuting out of Miami? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 1st May 2008, 15:03
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I have heard that commuting in USA is not an issue for most... no worries.

BTW,
How many days spent in Hong Kong interview?
How long between 1st interview and Hong Kong interview.?

Later,
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Old 1st May 2008, 15:15
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Did you know that CX is starting service to MIA on the B744F soon?
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Old 1st May 2008, 18:51
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No jumpseats due International Carrier. ID90's (ZED's) are expensive because of all the taxes (especially international tix).
Most guys go full fare. Try going standby out of MIA or DFW in the summer!
You can expect "W" patterns. Two crossings every pattern out of ANC then position back to your base in economy - 12 day patterns followed by 5 or 6 off. Signigicant roster disruption often means home a day or two later, and three day layovers in ANC.
Recruitment didn't tell you, that I bet.
Not being negative, just the truth.
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Old 1st May 2008, 22:52
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"12 day patterns followed by 5 or 6 off."

So why is it the FOs I have talked to based in the US says it is more like 5-8 days on twice a month?
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Old 2nd May 2008, 02:42
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Because that is what CAN and DOES happen, not every trip though. Roster disruption is inherrent to the freighter business we operate. My friends have patterns that get home on time and some that don't. As crewing levels fluctuate it influences your roster. Don't expect it to be that grim every pattern, but just understand that it does happen and then you will cope a bit better when it does
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Old 2nd May 2008, 05:13
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Are you paid some sort of overtime if you are extended due to a trip disruption or do you just have to eat it?
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Old 2nd May 2008, 05:54
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I have heard that commuting in USA is not an issue for most... no worries.

BTW,
How many days spent in Hong Kong interview?
How long between 1st interview and Hong Kong interview.?

Later,








I interviewed in San Fran in December and Hong Kong in February.
The interview in Hong Kong was 2 days, but I got there 2 days early so i spent 4 days.
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Old 2nd May 2008, 06:13
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No jumpseats due International Carrier. ID90's (ZED's) are expensive because of all the taxes (especially international tix).
Most guys go full fare. Try going standby out of MIA or DFW in the summer!
You can expect "W" patterns. Two crossings every pattern out of ANC then position back to your base in economy - 12 day patterns followed by 5 or 6 off. Signigicant roster disruption often means home a day or two later, and three day layovers in ANC.
Recruitment didn't tell you, that I bet.
Not being negative, just the truth.



So basically expect to buy 2 plane tickets per month. It seems like living at base might become more and more attractive as the price of plane tickets get more expensive. From your knowledge, how hard is it to get and ATL basing?
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Old 2nd May 2008, 07:41
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No external ATL openings until 09. From the source.
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Old 2nd May 2008, 13:09
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Hey air shuttle, you must be a FNG if you trust any "source" from CX.
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Old 2nd May 2008, 14:07
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It's not that bad--I usually get a positive space (non-refundable and "cheap" ) ticket on the way out for trips I know ahead of time (when the roster comes out) then non rev on the way back. If your preferred port is where you live, they'll often get you back and forth from there. If Southwest serves near you, you can book a full fare positve space online with them, then refund if you get out OK on the non rev or ID-90. SW's website is pretty user friendly for changing flights and I use it extensively for A days. Good thing is with FF SW ticket you can get a full refund if you don't use it.

With fuel costs going up, this may become more costly but has been OK so far.
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