CX time off--how quickly does one progress?
 

Out of curiosity: I recently read that CX US freight schedules include only 8 days off a month initially. 1. How quickly does this change ? 2. Are schedules commutable at all?
Thanks,
Sky

Ok, more details: 7000hr+ 45 year old regional jet captain wondering if it is worth it to jump ship to direct entry FO as did a friend recently. Commuting difficult, but has been worth it so far.
Thanks

Freighter schedules vary a little bit depending upon where you are based, but "generally" you fly from your base to ANC then onto HKG, back to ANC back home. As a result, your looking at 15+ days off per month, with many getting 18 or so on average. Throw in the 6 weeks of vacation per year and you're not working very much:ok: The 8 days off a month thing is just the minimum required.

On the other hand, you don't "bid" for your roster. You can request certain days off, but the company builds your schedule and that's that.
As far as the commute, CX doesnt have any formal jumpseat agreement with anyone, so you'll have to drive/buy ID90s to get to work. But...you wont need a crashpad or anything so it sorta evens out.

Hope that helps.

What makes a crashpad un necessary? I will be commuting from Chicago to NYC.

Mayday

Well, I guess it depends upon where you live, but all the Kennedy trips start super late at night (2200-0100) and get in somewhere around 2030-2200. So.....depending on when your last flight home is no need for a crashpad. At least they're commutable on the front end for sure. Besides, considering the rosters it seems kinda unnecessary to get a $250 crashpad that you might only need to use once or twice a month. I'd just spring for the hotel if you have to.

J32Drivr:
Thanks for the info.! Incidentally, USAirways, who services my local airport, does have CX listed as those eligible for cabin JS. I have not yet checked with Delta, who services our local airport as well.
Following you info, I am knocking the dust back off my copy of Handling the Big Jets and my CX Interview prep. book!
Thanks again!
SKY:ok: