Air Japan (AJX) B767
Join Date: Nov 2017
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Hi all, I've noticed in this thread compared to many, there are actually quite a few guys (gals?) in here that give helpful answers to questions. So in that vein I have a question about the use of the commuting allowance.
As far as I can tell you are given $2000USD a month to get "home". I believe you can either;
1) Try your luck on standby staff travel and probably pocket a healthy balance. A question here is do you guys have access to accurate loading numbers to see what the chances of gettin on business class are? Additionally what airlines flying to Australia do you get business staff travel on? (From what I've read on here you generally aren't a fan of this method as it sets a bad precedent to the company).
2) Forego the $2,000 and take a confirmed business ticket home. Now, if you choose to fly somewhere that the ANA group does not fly directly do they assume all costs getting you there? For example if I chose to live in Perth would they fly you to Sydney then across to Perth on QF, or only get you to SYD and the rest is up to you?
3) This is the method I understand the least. Basically you pay for your own confirmed business class ticket but at a reduced rate? Or a special staff rate? If that's the case is that available year round or only in off peak? Or have I got this part completely wrong?
At what stage in the previous roster month do you advise the company what method you want to use for the next month to commute and can it be changed last minute? For instance, say next month you feel the flights will be very full so you opt for the confirmed business seat (option 1) then a day or two before your flight find business class is nearly empty, can you then change to the 2k option and fly ID90 home?
Sorry for all the questions just trying to get my ducks in a row before making any big decisions. Thanks in advance.
As far as I can tell you are given $2000USD a month to get "home". I believe you can either;
1) Try your luck on standby staff travel and probably pocket a healthy balance. A question here is do you guys have access to accurate loading numbers to see what the chances of gettin on business class are? Additionally what airlines flying to Australia do you get business staff travel on? (From what I've read on here you generally aren't a fan of this method as it sets a bad precedent to the company).
2) Forego the $2,000 and take a confirmed business ticket home. Now, if you choose to fly somewhere that the ANA group does not fly directly do they assume all costs getting you there? For example if I chose to live in Perth would they fly you to Sydney then across to Perth on QF, or only get you to SYD and the rest is up to you?
3) This is the method I understand the least. Basically you pay for your own confirmed business class ticket but at a reduced rate? Or a special staff rate? If that's the case is that available year round or only in off peak? Or have I got this part completely wrong?
At what stage in the previous roster month do you advise the company what method you want to use for the next month to commute and can it be changed last minute? For instance, say next month you feel the flights will be very full so you opt for the confirmed business seat (option 1) then a day or two before your flight find business class is nearly empty, can you then change to the 2k option and fly ID90 home?
Sorry for all the questions just trying to get my ducks in a row before making any big decisions. Thanks in advance.
Join Date: Nov 2008
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1) Try your luck on standby staff travel and probably pocket a healthy balance. A question here is do you guys have access to accurate loading numbers to see what the chances of gettin on business class are? Additionally what airlines flying to Australia do you get business staff travel on? (From what I've read on here you generally aren't a fan of this method as it sets a bad precedent to the company). You can get pretty good ideas of ANA loads but other airlines' loads are subject to using the same ZED information that all airline staff can get hold of. Generally that's just a green, yellow or red face. The only airline we can get business class ZED fares is ANA. ANA fly to Sydney and you can get a business class ZED ticket a fair amount of the time but forget it in the summer when the Japanese go to SYD for their Cairns visit. Lots of people, especially FOs, use this method and pocket the change from the $2000. I don't think there are any strong views about using it or not....so long as the Company continues to provide the C class option for those who want it I don't think anyone cares what method others use.
2) Forego the $2,000 and take a confirmed business ticket home. Now, if you choose to fly somewhere that the ANA group does not fly directly do they assume all costs getting you there? For example if I chose to live in Perth would they fly you to Sydney then across to Perth on QF, or only get you to SYD and the rest is up to you? They'll get you to where you live, even if it is a two stop. There are a few Perth commuters with AJX and you can choose to use QF or SQ to get you there. SQ you'll go HND-SIN-PER but QF you've got a few more options to go from NRT or HND via SYD, MEL or BNE.
3) This is the method I understand the least. Basically you pay for your own confirmed business class ticket but at a reduced rate? Or a special staff rate? If that's the case is that available year round or only in off peak? Or have I got this part completely wrong?Never heard of that method, so I think you've got it completely wrong. You either take the $2000 and make your own way (using ZED or 'normal' tickets) or get the Company to book your C class and do not collect $2000.
At what stage in the previous roster month do you advise the company what method you want to use for the next month to commute and can it be changed last minute? For instance, say next month you feel the flights will be very full so you opt for the confirmed business seat (option 1) then a day or two before your flight find business class is nearly empty, can you then change to the 2k option and fly ID90 home? You need to submit your C class request by the 25th (I think) of the month before and cannot then cancel it as you've asked. By then the ticket will be issued and any changes will cost you $500 but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't see a cancellation as a 'change'. You can chop and change each month and are not tied to one method but once you've gone down the C class for that month you cannot then cancel it a couple of days beforehand.
2) Forego the $2,000 and take a confirmed business ticket home. Now, if you choose to fly somewhere that the ANA group does not fly directly do they assume all costs getting you there? For example if I chose to live in Perth would they fly you to Sydney then across to Perth on QF, or only get you to SYD and the rest is up to you? They'll get you to where you live, even if it is a two stop. There are a few Perth commuters with AJX and you can choose to use QF or SQ to get you there. SQ you'll go HND-SIN-PER but QF you've got a few more options to go from NRT or HND via SYD, MEL or BNE.
3) This is the method I understand the least. Basically you pay for your own confirmed business class ticket but at a reduced rate? Or a special staff rate? If that's the case is that available year round or only in off peak? Or have I got this part completely wrong?Never heard of that method, so I think you've got it completely wrong. You either take the $2000 and make your own way (using ZED or 'normal' tickets) or get the Company to book your C class and do not collect $2000.
At what stage in the previous roster month do you advise the company what method you want to use for the next month to commute and can it be changed last minute? For instance, say next month you feel the flights will be very full so you opt for the confirmed business seat (option 1) then a day or two before your flight find business class is nearly empty, can you then change to the 2k option and fly ID90 home? You need to submit your C class request by the 25th (I think) of the month before and cannot then cancel it as you've asked. By then the ticket will be issued and any changes will cost you $500 but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't see a cancellation as a 'change'. You can chop and change each month and are not tied to one method but once you've gone down the C class for that month you cannot then cancel it a couple of days beforehand.
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Thanks so much for you detailed reply, very much appreciated. I just had another thought reading your post. If you take the 2k option and don't get on the flight BACK to Tokyo how does that play out with the company? Or is the return flight to work always confirmed and the 2k is just for te outbound leg?
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Adding to the above, is it possible to change destination of the c class option. ie. if you usually commute to PER, but wanted to commute to NYC for a vacation one month?
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But you get to keep your miles so for the NYC trip just cash some miles.
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Obviously everyone has their reasons on whether or not to use the C Class commute or take the $2,000. I commute to the U.S. and always take the C Class.
1. Remember that you are not really getting $2,000 when you factor in income taxes and the price of purchasing the ZED ticket.
2. How much is not having to worry about loads, cancellation, etc. worth? For me $2,000 is not worth it. I enjoy knowing that I have a confirmed ticket and never have to worry about getting to/from work. My flight is also 12-14 hours so the business class seat is important to me.
3. The best part for me is the frequent flier miles. Obviously each airline program is different but for the airline I commute on I generally get around 800,000 miles a year. If you like to travel frequently then the miles are nice.
1. Remember that you are not really getting $2,000 when you factor in income taxes and the price of purchasing the ZED ticket.
2. How much is not having to worry about loads, cancellation, etc. worth? For me $2,000 is not worth it. I enjoy knowing that I have a confirmed ticket and never have to worry about getting to/from work. My flight is also 12-14 hours so the business class seat is important to me.
3. The best part for me is the frequent flier miles. Obviously each airline program is different but for the airline I commute on I generally get around 800,000 miles a year. If you like to travel frequently then the miles are nice.
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If you take the 2k option and don't get on the flight BACK to Tokyo how does that play out with the company? Or is the return flight to work always confirmed and the 2k is just for te outbound leg?
Join Date: Nov 2017
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Thanks for all your thoughtful replies everyone, I must say it's a tricky decision looking to join AJX, like every place I'm sure there there are plenty pros and cons. Compared to where am I at now you guys don't seem any where near as bitter and twisted though so that is refreshing. It is also one of the better jobs to get me and the family out of Asia and back to Australia.
I'll keep my eye on this thread to see any developments with Ts and Cs and if the introduction of the 787 improves your rosters and lifestyle etc. There goes that optimism again.
Safe flying.
Join Date: Dec 2009
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Hi All,
Great info in the thread, read through the entire thing. Is there any chance someone could PM a sample roster or two of what you guys are actually flying?
The Mid East is getting worse day by day, and AJX is looking like a decent option to get a little closer to home.
Thanks!
Great info in the thread, read through the entire thing. Is there any chance someone could PM a sample roster or two of what you guys are actually flying?
The Mid East is getting worse day by day, and AJX is looking like a decent option to get a little closer to home.
Thanks!
Join Date: Jul 2017
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Hi All,
Great info in the thread, read through the entire thing. Is there any chance someone could PM a sample roster or two of what you guys are actually flying?
The Mid East is getting worse day by day, and AJX is looking like a decent option to get a little closer to home.
Thanks!
Great info in the thread, read through the entire thing. Is there any chance someone could PM a sample roster or two of what you guys are actually flying?
The Mid East is getting worse day by day, and AJX is looking like a decent option to get a little closer to home.
Thanks!
Join Date: Jul 2017
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Just been looking at Rishworth's brief for the contract and got a couple questions for you guys (I am asking Rishworth too)......
Their brief says the 24 days annual leave will be allocated in 2 equal periods during the year - does this mean that with Rishworth you can't add a days leave either side of your days off each month as described in this thread? Hoping that hasn't changed!
About the completion bonus ....... If an FO upgrades to captain after four years - do they miss out on the bonus and therefore effectively just get the bonus after completing their first Captain contract?
Thanks!
Edit: Had a reply from the lady at Rishworth who says the leave is allocated as 2 blocks of 12 and that it is rare to be able to add your leave to your monthly days off. Looked at Parc's advert again and they only mention 10 off plus 2 commuting. Longreach say 10 off, 2 commuting with "the possibility of adding 2 days leave" each month to make the block 14.
So to you guys currently working at AJX - how does it really work out at the moment?
Their brief says the 24 days annual leave will be allocated in 2 equal periods during the year - does this mean that with Rishworth you can't add a days leave either side of your days off each month as described in this thread? Hoping that hasn't changed!
About the completion bonus ....... If an FO upgrades to captain after four years - do they miss out on the bonus and therefore effectively just get the bonus after completing their first Captain contract?
Thanks!
Edit: Had a reply from the lady at Rishworth who says the leave is allocated as 2 blocks of 12 and that it is rare to be able to add your leave to your monthly days off. Looked at Parc's advert again and they only mention 10 off plus 2 commuting. Longreach say 10 off, 2 commuting with "the possibility of adding 2 days leave" each month to make the block 14.
So to you guys currently working at AJX - how does it really work out at the moment?
Last edited by B757UK; 21st Nov 2017 at 19:26.
Up to now, the schedulers have been very flexible with the way we use our leave and days off. Basically, the 10+2+2 (commute days) are available each month of the fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). As long as you don't exceed these in 1 year you are OK. I have heard that the company will not give you commute days for a calendar month, if you take no days off in that calendar month.
What the future holds, who knows.
As far as the bonus goes, the FO bonus is frozen on the day you become a Captain and this amount is held until the original 5 year period is up, then it is paid out.If you leave before the 5 year period is up, you get nothing. On Captain qualification, a new 5 year bonus cycle starts.
What the future holds, who knows.
As far as the bonus goes, the FO bonus is frozen on the day you become a Captain and this amount is held until the original 5 year period is up, then it is paid out.If you leave before the 5 year period is up, you get nothing. On Captain qualification, a new 5 year bonus cycle starts.
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Up to now, the schedulers have been very flexible with the way we use our leave and days off. Basically, the 10+2+2 (commute days) are available each month of the fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). As long as you don't exceed these in 1 year you are OK. I have heard that the company will not give you commute days for a calendar month, if you take no days off in that calendar month.
What the future holds, who knows.
As far as the bonus goes, the FO bonus is frozen on the day you become a Captain and this amount is held until the original 5 year period is up, then it is paid out.If you leave before the 5 year period is up, you get nothing. On Captain qualification, a new 5 year bonus cycle starts.
What the future holds, who knows.
As far as the bonus goes, the FO bonus is frozen on the day you become a Captain and this amount is held until the original 5 year period is up, then it is paid out.If you leave before the 5 year period is up, you get nothing. On Captain qualification, a new 5 year bonus cycle starts.
As for the bonus that sounds sensible ... the cynical side of me assumed the FO bonus would disappear with an early upgrade ..... maybe I shouldn't be so cynical!!
haha
stay cynical it's your best from of defence.
BTW, in the past, there were 2 contract companies, Parc and Crew, then IAC was included but they have very few pilots. Sounds like Rishworth are new to AJX, I don't know of any pilots employed by Rishworth here, so they may have very little experience of the REAL deal.
stay cynical it's your best from of defence.
BTW, in the past, there were 2 contract companies, Parc and Crew, then IAC was included but they have very few pilots. Sounds like Rishworth are new to AJX, I don't know of any pilots employed by Rishworth here, so they may have very little experience of the REAL deal.
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Hey guys,
In regards to the "C class" tix home, if I understand this correctly I can get a ticket on another star alliance carrier? The example I'm thinking of is my home town of Calgary (YYC). It is an Air Canada flight but is an ANA codeshare.
My second question is what happens if you move, can you change your home base during the contract? Could you have them fly you to HNL to meet up with family after a tour at work?
Thanks in advance.
In regards to the "C class" tix home, if I understand this correctly I can get a ticket on another star alliance carrier? The example I'm thinking of is my home town of Calgary (YYC). It is an Air Canada flight but is an ANA codeshare.
My second question is what happens if you move, can you change your home base during the contract? Could you have them fly you to HNL to meet up with family after a tour at work?
Thanks in advance.
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When booking your C class ticket, AJX will first of all try and use ANA. After that they will use a Star Alliance carrier and after that it'll be whoever flies to where you live. Some of the Australian commuters use Singapore Airlines (Star Alliance) but many use Qantas (OneWorld) and the Company does not seem to care too much, probably because SQ is so expensive even if it is Star Alliance. So, yes, if ANA doesn't fly to Calgary then Air Canada would be an acceptable means of getting you home.
If you move you just change the form telling them where you live and you'll get a ticket there instead. There's no problem with changing during the contract. If you have a 'home' in two places (and can show them evidence of such) then you can choose each month which one you want to fly to. Only one, though, not both :-)
If you move you just change the form telling them where you live and you'll get a ticket there instead. There's no problem with changing during the contract. If you have a 'home' in two places (and can show them evidence of such) then you can choose each month which one you want to fly to. Only one, though, not both :-)