Commuting while working for Qatar?
 

I'm considering making the move to the ME because I want to get a head start when I reach my 30s finance wise. I do have my life pretty wel set up here in Europe though. My colleagues claim that the Qatar bidding system is so good that you can easily spend 7 consecutive days at home a month.
Does anyone care to shed some light on this matter? Greatly appreciated!

Can't speak about the 787
But 777 getting 7 days in a row without using your leave days it is impossible some pilots they try to use 7 days of their leave every other month since you have 42 days per year
And with no leave you can get up to 6 days in a row using the bidding system but if you will.be lucky and get it one month don't expect you will get it again FO roster on 777 is heavy now .

You might see rosters that give 5-7 days off in a row. Trouble is that's now. The airline is dynamic - very dynamic and the situation can change very quickly by the addition of a few new aeroplanes on short notice ( 74-8) as example, or the delay cancellation of more metal that was already in the commercial plan.
Do not join Qatar with the expectation of a commuting contract.

Very wise word from CDRW

Reply
 

All the Khaleegi Airlines abhor even the thought of the word commute. Because there, you are not just a pilot. You're a slave in a golden cage!!! So think carefully and wisely!
Once you enter this harram al what even airline you chose!!... you give our body and your soul to them!! Khalas!! commuting is not an option! An you will be heavily sanctioned if you try to out side of what they allow!!..........AND THEY DON'T Care! There is no humanity here!!

Bear in mind the contract is non-commuting.

Nowadays some people might be able to commute due to a more relaxed roster on their fleet, but things change constantly in Qatar Airways, so what is happening now might not be in one year.

The only things guaranteed are 4 consecutive days off per month and 42 days annual leave, which you can divide into up to 7 periods of 6 days (which count for 7 days actually because they also guarantee one day off after each 6 day leave period). You can try to use the bidding system to get up to 6 consecutive days off in a month or add more days off before/after your leave, but there's no guarantee you'll get that even though the system generally works pretty well. Just don't count on that happening every month.

Papa G but it succinctly. If you go there and dont give it a chance and unable to change you will hate it.

Can you get back to europe on a regular basis ( we dont use the swear word 'commute') - absolutely - but it's on a month to month - or roster to roster- basis. The airline is expanding and many more cities are being added or frequencies being increased.

Stay away from getting the flashy car, the regular brunches, and partying like a banshee and the $ or € will be good.

I try to "commute" to UK (Capt T7). I spread out my annual leave in 5 blocks of 6 leave plus days off and take 1 block of 12 days (plus days off) for a family holiday.
But there are 9 flights per day to London (LHR&LGW) which makes it a lot easier. It cannot be easy to do so to a place with only 1 flight per day or if I was on a SH fleet. So you are covered for 6 months a year which suits me as can't do more than 90 in UK. The other 6 you are at the mercy of rostering giving you your requested 6 days off (only 4 are guaranteed) or using ULR rest patterns to sneak away for a few days.

Best of luck,

OW