Many thanks to all the thread contributors, very interesting reading!
I would like some advice from all you guys with a few more grey hairs than myself.
I am currently 24 years old with ~1700 hrs logged, of which ~1350 73NG. I believe you can all guess which European LoCo company i am working for right now, given my high ratio of NG time...
I've applied via one of the contracting agencies, and am hoping for an interview in Sept for the B737NG F/O position. Heres the million dollar question: would KAL be a wise move? My current company could provide an opportunity for command at about 3000 hrs total, but I am trying to get out asap, dure to tax implications and "management-by-fear" culture. Plus, as you all know, there are no benefits whatsoever (own food, only hot water provided for coffee, pay for uniform, sim, hotels, license, medical etc.etc.)
I am simply looking to get into a proper organisation, to see more of the world and learn a different way of operating the machinery. Of course the rumours(?) about no upgrade to command within the 5 years or type swapping sounds like really bad news, the plus side is my country has a tax agreement with Korea meaning I keep all my money. Right now I am more or less a tax fugitive.
I've got some additional questions to those already answered in this great thread:
1) Crew meals when on duty? On layovers? If yes - quality?
2) Home travel for off days - economy or business for F/Os?
3) I've also heard you can get booked for home travel on the cargo fleet for destinations not covered by pax network - true?
4) Hows life when on layovers, off days in ICN? Any interaction with cabin crew, rumour has it this is culturally impossible?
5) Spare time activities? Golf, beach etc?
6) What do you believe is higher regarded by other major airlines; a lot of F/O time in different companys and parts of the world, or Command at minimum time with one LoCo operator in Europe? Whats the best career strategy?
7) The thread has been quiet for a while, can any expat B737 F/O advice what the flight deck athmosphere is like? Flying only with local cpts?
Thanks in advance to all contributors!