Just a brief response from the 'other' side of the fence.
As a former partner of a mid-seniority BA pilot who I was with when they were on shorthaul and then longhaul; I far preferred it when they were long-haul.
Shorthaul - being woken up irregularly at 3.30am. Lots of coming and going - not enough time to go away on trips together.
Longhaul - liked my own space so trips away meant exactly that - opportunity to kick it in first class and go away on trips together. Lots of foreign pressies to look forward to.
Do you know if they actually want you around as much as you think they do? Space is good in a relationship and is wholly underrated which is why so many fail.
I'm sure you must have talked this over. If not be honest..!!
Good luck
(Also bear in mind that a few BA pilots over the past few years will have artificially low hours after crossing their colleagues picket line to work as CC from time to time.. I had several friends do this.)
Last edited by Craggenmore; 17th Jul 2011 at 18:14.