Aren't you bored to death as SO?
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Well I judge the Captains will not be too troubled by burning out the S/O’s with all that time off to recover. Give some much needed rest for the Capt and F/O with not so much time off.
The S/O’s can recover surfing in Bali.
Number Cruncher, I assume you do this now?
The S/O’s can recover surfing in Bali.
Number Cruncher, I assume you do this now?
Join Date: Oct 2006
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No I don't mr bloggs...and it is numero crunchero now...I am in disguise!!! I have heard of some pretty interesting ideas on breaking up the rest periods. I still work on the same principles...your sector, you choose the rest and the meal. At the bar I get the good looking one and you don't;-)
I never liked having my rest dicked around when I was in the other seat and so far I ahven't dicked anyone around...but still got a few more years to earn the nickname "captain pajamas"
Youll be right son...the oz trips are perceived to be about the worst trips, especially for SOs, as it is 3man with all night flying. You do get a seat(business mostly but sometimes in first) to try and get some sleep on your 2hrs 30min off...that is if you can sleep during meal service!. SOs normally get first rest which is a bit early to be tired...so yeah, petty mundane and tiring.
I never liked having my rest dicked around when I was in the other seat and so far I ahven't dicked anyone around...but still got a few more years to earn the nickname "captain pajamas"
Youll be right son...the oz trips are perceived to be about the worst trips, especially for SOs, as it is 3man with all night flying. You do get a seat(business mostly but sometimes in first) to try and get some sleep on your 2hrs 30min off...that is if you can sleep during meal service!. SOs normally get first rest which is a bit early to be tired...so yeah, petty mundane and tiring.
Join Date: Jul 2006
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What's the average age of CX SO's? Is it rare for a fresh 30'er to join an SO function? I think at KLM the average SO age is at around 23, which is very young.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Join Date: Oct 1999
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From my time as an SO the worst trip was Auckland, 3 crew upto 1130 flight time through the night, with Cabin crew whom just have not learnt how to close the flight deck door quietly, therefore ensuring no sleep.
I remember one !@#@!!@ austrailian cpt... he would sh@ft the SOs even when it was a day flight for him, i always put it down to the fact he was not as capable as the rest of the cpts at CX and therefore needed everything going for him.
But dont be put off as you fly with guys like that once every 6 months and the have to live with themselves permanently. and as stated theres always the 8-10 days off to recover, now im an FO i have lost my tan and forgot what sand feels like.
I remember one !@#@!!@ austrailian cpt... he would sh@ft the SOs even when it was a day flight for him, i always put it down to the fact he was not as capable as the rest of the cpts at CX and therefore needed everything going for him.
But dont be put off as you fly with guys like that once every 6 months and the have to live with themselves permanently. and as stated theres always the 8-10 days off to recover, now im an FO i have lost my tan and forgot what sand feels like.
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Just a bit more to add. I dont know if my bloggs has flown with me or is just taking the p*ss. I think my handle is pretty well known even thought slighlty altered from CPRUNE days. Please anyone speak up if you think I gave you unfair rest.
I still work on the princilple of rest period divided by number of crew...I find it strange that some of my more senior colleagues seem it is somehow fair that an So should have the first hour off and then the last on the way to oz...still, hitler thought mentally handicapped and jews should be exterminated so you are all entitled to your own WRONG opinions.
Whether I have 3 hrs off or 2 hrs 30min I still feel like S*it...so cant see the point of being difficult.
I still work on the princilple of rest period divided by number of crew...I find it strange that some of my more senior colleagues seem it is somehow fair that an So should have the first hour off and then the last on the way to oz...still, hitler thought mentally handicapped and jews should be exterminated so you are all entitled to your own WRONG opinions.
Whether I have 3 hrs off or 2 hrs 30min I still feel like S*it...so cant see the point of being difficult.
Last edited by Numero Crunchero; 7th Nov 2006 at 08:08.
Join Date: Oct 2006
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So flying kiwi...I assume you are relief FO by now. Can I suggest a 'passive aggressive approach' I had to use once. I was rostered to fly with a notoriously bad captain(rest wise)...and I was the next most senior...ie relief commander. He told me what rest he wanted to do which was unexpected and unprepared for. I told him fine...but I said I may have to wake him in 2 or 3 hrs cause I hadn't been prepared or warned and so I would do just do my best to stay awake. There are certain advantages to being a rude australian;-)
And of course if you are offered another flight level whilst he is asleep....that is a big decision to make be yourself...I would wake him to decide. By the way, if you ever do that with me I will never buy you a beer!
And of course if you are offered another flight level whilst he is asleep....that is a big decision to make be yourself...I would wake him to decide. By the way, if you ever do that with me I will never buy you a beer!
Join Date: Oct 1999
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Ha ha i like it.
Hey SO' im not sure whether to go left or right around the wx ahead, i think we better ask the Cpt, hes only on a leg strech anyway..
Ill try not to do it to you,,, beers brought by Cpts always taste better especially when its due to their landing...
Hey SO' im not sure whether to go left or right around the wx ahead, i think we better ask the Cpt, hes only on a leg strech anyway..
Ill try not to do it to you,,, beers brought by Cpts always taste better especially when its due to their landing...
Join Date: Nov 2005
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I undestand that the best can be made when SOs enjoy their time and seek activiities and life in HK, fair enough.
How about in the case when a SO need to visit family frequently back home (i.e. North America, Austrialia OR UK), is it possible? does the schedule actually allow this via jump seating every chance you get ?
If anyone can shed some light on this that would be much appreciated
thanks!
E
How about in the case when a SO need to visit family frequently back home (i.e. North America, Austrialia OR UK), is it possible? does the schedule actually allow this via jump seating every chance you get ?
If anyone can shed some light on this that would be much appreciated
thanks!
E
Join Date: Oct 2005
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If given a choice take a job on the 744, 3 trips s a month works out to 15-18 days off per month.
Commuting is not a problem, paying all the fuel surcharge to fly on staff tickets is the only major pain in the ass, but their are ways around that.
Commuting is not a problem, paying all the fuel surcharge to fly on staff tickets is the only major pain in the ass, but their are ways around that.
Quick question regarding rest breaks on Long Haul Flights with CX. Are the rest breaks divided equally amongst the pilots? Or am I to understand from some of the comments here the SO's get flogged in the cruise?
Thanks
Thanks
Join Date: Feb 2007
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How do the travel benefits work for CX new hires? I've heard that there are essentially no benefits your first six months, or that they'll only pay for travel to your home base until your first year is up, or that your travel use is limited until you become an F/O. Looking at the stories posted here by S/Os though, that doesn't seem to be the case. I know CX doesn't do "non-revenue space available" like a lot of airlines, but I don't have a real understanding of the system they do use. Would anybody here care to give us the real situation? If travel is actually that restrictive, then S/O life really could be brutal...
Join Date: Dec 2006
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First six months: only travel to your home port is allowed (you will designate one on the 2nd interview I believe).
After that: you can buy ID90s anywhere CX/OneWorld flies.
After 1 year: you can buy ID90s on everybody else.
ID90s is expensive buddy! Cathay charges for the ever increasing "fuel surcharge" to staff as well as the passenger. This tax plus airport taxes will almost double the price of the discounted ticket that Cathay sells you.
To put things in perspective; you will be about 500USD poorer if you were to buy a ZED/ID90 to go from Hong Kong to Vancouver and Back on Bidnid class.
There is "jumpeating" on Cathay only. But this is not free, you will still be charged with the ID90, all it means is you may occupy the jumpseat if the flight is full. You'll get to where you want to go, but it is a worse deal since you're still out 500 bucks US only you get to sit on a Flight Attendant jumpseat for 14 hours (YVR-HKG for example).
You can only print out these ID90 tickets in Hong Kong. So if you're in Vancouver skiing and lost your belongings and tickets stolen, you are out of luck! However, with that in mind you are allowed to print as many as you want and they are good for 6 months. You won't be charged until the ticket is used.
You must have ID90s for Business class to be able to sit in Business Class (costs more). Cathay will not allow any employees to upgrade for free. I have been on flights where there are over 40 open seats in Business and I had to ride in Economy. Cathay is not your average N. American carrier where employees look out for each other. (They can't, 'cause they'll be canned if they did)
When I went to the 2nd interview I asked the lady at check in 3 questions and they went like this:
Can I be upgraded: "no"
Can I get an emergency exit seat: "no"
Can I get a aisle seat: "no"
Expect some of the same treatment when you staff travel on CX as employee.
As a Second Officer, I believe you will be "level c" employee? (correct me if I'm wrong) Therefore you are NOT ALLOWED to ride First Class. Only people after 7 years with the company or managers can. Yes, they like to put you down. Yikes!!
After that: you can buy ID90s anywhere CX/OneWorld flies.
After 1 year: you can buy ID90s on everybody else.
ID90s is expensive buddy! Cathay charges for the ever increasing "fuel surcharge" to staff as well as the passenger. This tax plus airport taxes will almost double the price of the discounted ticket that Cathay sells you.
To put things in perspective; you will be about 500USD poorer if you were to buy a ZED/ID90 to go from Hong Kong to Vancouver and Back on Bidnid class.
There is "jumpeating" on Cathay only. But this is not free, you will still be charged with the ID90, all it means is you may occupy the jumpseat if the flight is full. You'll get to where you want to go, but it is a worse deal since you're still out 500 bucks US only you get to sit on a Flight Attendant jumpseat for 14 hours (YVR-HKG for example).
You can only print out these ID90 tickets in Hong Kong. So if you're in Vancouver skiing and lost your belongings and tickets stolen, you are out of luck! However, with that in mind you are allowed to print as many as you want and they are good for 6 months. You won't be charged until the ticket is used.
You must have ID90s for Business class to be able to sit in Business Class (costs more). Cathay will not allow any employees to upgrade for free. I have been on flights where there are over 40 open seats in Business and I had to ride in Economy. Cathay is not your average N. American carrier where employees look out for each other. (They can't, 'cause they'll be canned if they did)
When I went to the 2nd interview I asked the lady at check in 3 questions and they went like this:
Can I be upgraded: "no"
Can I get an emergency exit seat: "no"
Can I get a aisle seat: "no"
Expect some of the same treatment when you staff travel on CX as employee.
As a Second Officer, I believe you will be "level c" employee? (correct me if I'm wrong) Therefore you are NOT ALLOWED to ride First Class. Only people after 7 years with the company or managers can. Yes, they like to put you down. Yikes!!
Join Date: Jun 2003
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When I went to the 2nd interview I asked the lady at check in 3 questions and they went like this:
Can I be upgraded: "no"
This is where the CX agent really screwed up. She should have telexed Hong Kong informing them that one of their candidates was asking to be upgraded and was generally quite rude. This would have red-flagged you and saved both parties all sorts of grief.
Can I be upgraded: "no"
This is where the CX agent really screwed up. She should have telexed Hong Kong informing them that one of their candidates was asking to be upgraded and was generally quite rude. This would have red-flagged you and saved both parties all sorts of grief.
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Very true,
My entire time in Cathay Pacific, I felt like I had done something really bad to deserve to work there.
Where did I say that I was rude? It is common practice to ask for upgrade when you are an airline employee traveling on a staff pass. I have been flown to interviews on First Class before with the US carriers, why is it that Cathay has to be so different?
If you suggest that someone asking for an upgrade should not be hired then you have confirmed what I have been telling people about the culture at Cathay. Thanks.
My entire time in Cathay Pacific, I felt like I had done something really bad to deserve to work there.
Where did I say that I was rude? It is common practice to ask for upgrade when you are an airline employee traveling on a staff pass. I have been flown to interviews on First Class before with the US carriers, why is it that Cathay has to be so different?
If you suggest that someone asking for an upgrade should not be hired then you have confirmed what I have been telling people about the culture at Cathay. Thanks.
Join Date: Feb 2007
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Penske's comment sounded like exasperated sarcasm to me...
The deal for travel benefits isn't as good as it used to be in the U.S.. The 500USD bill for a HKG-YVR round trip in Biz class would run close to 400USD under UAL's new setup. And I know AA doesn't allow upgrades to First under normal circumstances. CX's deal doesn't sound too sweet, but it's sadly looking better due to lowered standards.
I think you're right about the Level C employee thing. I was under the impression that Captains were the only ones who got to sit First Class.
The deal for travel benefits isn't as good as it used to be in the U.S.. The 500USD bill for a HKG-YVR round trip in Biz class would run close to 400USD under UAL's new setup. And I know AA doesn't allow upgrades to First under normal circumstances. CX's deal doesn't sound too sweet, but it's sadly looking better due to lowered standards.
I think you're right about the Level C employee thing. I was under the impression that Captains were the only ones who got to sit First Class.
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It's the same everywhere - the employees are the enemy, especially the pilots. They've pretty much run out of stuff to take away (pension, medical), so now they've started taking away benefits that essentially cost the company nothing. If UA thinks they can gouge you for a few extra bucks, they'll do it. It still doesn't sound as restrictive or expensive as the CX setup, though
Seems to me that a smart company would expand travel and related bennies as they scroll back pay, etc. as a means of maintaining some degree of positive morale...
Seems to me that a smart company would expand travel and related bennies as they scroll back pay, etc. as a means of maintaining some degree of positive morale...