Question for the commuters?

[MAX]

Morning,

I wonder if any HKG based pilots who commute to their homeland might be able to share their experiences?

Im interested if the guys/gals keep a flat or just pay nightly at the headland?

Do you take the basic housing allowance as cash in order to cover the commuting costs?

Are super compact rosters the bet bet?

I have searched but had no luck on PPRUNE and appreciate any insights.

MAX

[Blogsey]

Sorry mate, can't talk from experience, but:
I know a guy based in HK, living in his home country, who commutes. From what I know, if you are based in HK, you get all the benefits that go with that. This guy does get housing allowance (for a HK apartment), and I think even gets the schooling allowance (in his homeland)....
Once again, heard from a friend through a friend, but thought I'd post as you've received no replies....
edit: I'm not in Cathay, so take it for what it's worth....

[sisyphos]

Commuting is possible ( only on the -400) if you are talking about places nearby, e.g. thailand. If you are talking about U.S./ Europe I would be very careful : look at the actual days you would be "home" then, not more than 7 (maybe), plus the jetlag plus standby risks plus no sympathy from the company...

[MAX]

What about on the 400 with S/O roster? Perhaps commtuting as far as Oz?

All hypothetical but I know people do it.

Insights?

MAX:cool:

[Bograt]

Hi,
I commute to OZ from a HKG base as an FO on the -400.

SO's can do it - they have reasonably good rosters. But these don't last as you'll be upgraded to a regional aircraft with really busy rosters and NO chance of commuting until you get onto ULH routes.

Getting seats is harder all the time as load factors are going up on all the airlines to all destinations.

An SO housing allowance is really only good for sharing a place for the first few years I think, then it gets better.

I have a crash pad in HKG - small apartment, but it's comfortable and close to work (Tung Chung).

Don't count on getting rooms at the Headland hotel - they're maxed out with based crew and some long term residents; and getting worse all the time as the bases and crew numbers grow.

The post from sisyphos is exactly right.

Finally - heed all the opinions from the Fragrant Harbour forum. Think very long and hard about coming here. The vocal minority on there are actually very close to the mark - this is not a pleasant place for a career pilot. if I had to choose now I wouldn't come to CX. There are better options, but I'm now bound by some significant financial handcuffs - not just of CX's making. I am really looking forward to finishing my time here and I will not leave with any regret.

[texas145]

I keep hearing, "Don't go to CX" but I never hear any options given? Where would unhappy CX people recommend?

[machten]

Why don't you go to CX for a couple of years. Get that 744 type and transoceanic experience...and then...waallaaahhhh...UPS baby!

[texas145]

UPS, any others?

[MAX]

Thanks everyone,

Im coming from what has always been regarded as a very good company. Though cost cutting and the competition of low cost carriers has eaten it away and I dont see a career there anymore.

Ill be joining with my eyes open. Nothing to lose by moving elsewhere with zero seniority and no handcuffs.

Thanks for the insights again.

MAX:cool:

[Bograt]

Wouldn't be QF would it Max?

[energie]

i have been trying to research into commuting as an option as a SO, it's hard to find info :(

[Blogsey]

I too would be interested in Bograts idea of a better airline? I'm guessing you're an Aussie given your comment? What Aus based airline would you suggest is better than CX?

[CruisingSpeed]

I have done the commute for a few years and it is very tiresome!

After all those long hours spent thrashing ULH on duty you end up in the rear end as SLF, just to be home for a precious day or two, spent trying to recover from it all. Unless you have young kids at home (like I did) I would strongly advise against this. Best try and find things to see and do in Hong Kong, plenty of nice colleagues to socialise with, the city is versatile in many respects and also very proximate to interesting places in South East Asia.

A small crash pad can indeed free up sufficient funds for the commute, as has been said the Headland Hotel can be chocker blocks and unavailable during busy periods. Discovery Bay is an overpriced company compound and Hong Kong Island way too expensive for your purposes. There is a real estate outfit in Mui Wo run by very decent locals, make sure you ask for a town house flat, i.e. in a Chinese fishing village in South Lantau, with just one or two months bond. When you have rented for a years time the contract can be made to roll over on a monthly basis. Do not enter financial commitments which will cause you to jump a window when you fall foul with some of CX’s lovely managers, this happens on a more frequent basis than some people try and make you believe on this forum. By all means be open and positive, but be wary of all the promises and glitzy propaganda, keep your options open! When you think you have finally nailed it along comes the upgrade to JFO, the related roster WILL commit you to Hong Kong.

Some people may be more suited to it, the commute for me effectively was a very damaging and stressful time, you end up being in a constant state of disarray, severely jetlagged and radiated. (Short haul with a decent outfit now, and home in the evenings. Nothing compares!) :ok:

[energie]

I have done the commute for a few years and it is very tiresome!
After all those long hours spent thrashing ULH on duty you end up in the rear end as SLF, just to be home for a precious day or two, spent trying to recover from it all. Unless you have young kids at home (like I did) I would strongly advise against this. Best try and find things to see and do in Hong Kong, plenty of nice colleagues to socialise with, the city is versatile in many respects and also very proximate to interesting places in South East Asia.
A small crash pad can indeed free up sufficient funds for the commute, as has been said the Headland Hotel can be chocker blocks and unavailable during busy periods. Discovery Bay is an overpriced company compound and Hong Kong Island way too expensive for your purposes. There is a real estate outfit in Mui Wo run by very decent locals, make sure you ask for a town house flat, i.e. in a Chinese fishing village in South Lantau, with just one or two months bond. When you have rented for a years time the contract can be made to roll over on a monthly basis. Do not enter financial commitments which will cause you to jump a window when you fall foul with some of CX’s lovely managers, this happens on a more frequent basis than some people try and make you believe on this forum. By all means be open and positive, but be wary of all the promises and glitzy propaganda, keep your options open! When you think you have finally nailed it along comes the upgrade to JFO, the related roster WILL commit you to Hong Kong.

thanks for that response, it's useful to hear from someone who has actually done the commute
which continent were you commuting to back then? I am in a situation where I might have to commute to NA for the first 2 years as an SO due to fiance's schooling. As soon as she graduates she's moving to Honker so I really want to tough it out if it is possible.
On average how often did your roster allow you to get home each month? Once? Twice? everyweek?
I've heard of temporary basing but am not sure how likely it is to be temp baesed in vancouver as an SO.
I have also heard of the "super compact" roster, and I am wondering just how compact it is...
also, have you had any pressure from the company or the rostering guys about the fact that you are commuting?

cheers mate
E

[dragon501]

I am across the road from CX (where the grass is sooooo much greener ;-))))
I have HEARD that as long as it does not influx any problems with your work patterns CX will leave you BUT do NOT, I say again, DO NOT expect ANY mercy if you get caught out staff travel.....
My 2p worth..
Ta ta

[energie]

thanks, i've just read the reply.