Exploring Pilot Life: Traveling The Globe

Pilots have varying experiences when it comes to travel and exploration. While some pilots have the opportunity to travel around the world, visit new countries, and explore new cities, others find themselves confined to airports and hotels, or spending time in less glamorous locations. The ability to travel extensively as a pilot depends on various factors, including the airline, fleet, route, seniority, and contract.

Pilots working for international airlines or flying long-haul routes are more likely to have longer layovers in exciting destinations, providing opportunities to explore and experience different cultures. However, it is important to note that pilots may not always have the energy or willingness to explore due to fatigue and the need to recover from long flights.

Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 restrictions has limited the movement of pilots in certain countries, requiring them to stay in their hotels or even confine themselves to their rooms.

Overall, while the potential for travel and exploration exists in the pilot profession, it is not guaranteed and can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances and opportunities available.

Pilots can get on almost any plane going anywhere for free

While it may not be practical to become a pilot just to travel the world, it is true that pilots can access heavily discounted or even free flights as a perk of the job. This applies to both commercial airline pilots and flight school instructors, as well as their families and friends.

Free flights for pilots

The majority of airlines offer free flights as an employee benefit for pilots. This is common across the industry, and pilots can usually fly for free on standby with any airline they are not employed by. This means they only get on the flight if there is a spare seat available. Some airlines also offer a number of confirmed tickets for free each year, which guarantees a seat, usually in first or business class.

Free flights for pilot's families and friends

Many airlines have also started offering free flights for pilot's immediate family members. This benefit varies from airline to airline, but family members may fly free when space is available, or at discounted rates. Some airlines provide "buddy passes" to pilots to share with friends and family, which allow them to fly standby together.

International travel for pilots

While pilots can access free flights across the world, it is worth noting that intercontinental routes are usually flown by more senior pilots, and it may take several years of flying smaller routes or working for regional airlines before a pilot can fly these routes. It is also important to consider that pilots may not have much time for sightseeing when flying internationally, as they often need to rest between long-haul flights.

Pilots can turn two weeks of vacation into a month

Pilots can also use their travel benefits to go on vacation when they are not flying. They can accrue hotel and airline travel points and then book hotels and flights for themselves and their partners.

Pilots can spend weeks in cool cities and on beaches around the world

Another pilot, who flies private jets, has been able to spend multiple days exploring New York City, Florida, Atlanta, Chicago, Hawaii, Alaska, Amsterdam, Paris, and cities across the Western US. They also accrue hotel and airline points, which they can use for personal vacations.

A third pilot, who flies short-haul flights in Europe, says that they only have a few hours to explore each city they visit. However, they have had afternoons in Milan, a night in Ibiza, and a cycle/bar crawl in Zurich—none of which they would have done otherwise.

A fourth pilot, who flies for a regional airline, has had long layovers in cool downtown areas, such as Montreal, New Orleans, and New York City.

However, pilots' experiences vary depending on the airline/fleet they work for and the seniority they have built up. Pilots with more seniority get more choice over their schedules and are more likely to be able to spend time in exciting destinations.

Additionally, pilots' ability to explore destinations has been impacted by COVID-19. Some countries, such as China, Japan, Australia, and parts of Europe, currently require pilots to remain in their hotel rooms during layovers.

Pilots can accrue hotel and airline points for personal use

Pilots accrue hotel and airline points for personal use, but it depends on several factors. Firstly, it depends on whether the pilot works for a scheduled airline, a non-scheduled (charter) airline, or a non-airline company. Scheduled airline pilots usually cannot get hotel points because the rooms are booked and paid for in advance by the airline, and these are often deeply discounted bulk bookings. However, some hotels may offer stay credits or incidentals like meals and drinks that can be billed to the room. In contrast, non-scheduled airline pilots may be eligible for hotel points if their charter company has an agreement with the hotel. Non-airline pilots, such as those working for private jets or corporate companies, often have more flexibility in choosing their hotels and are more likely to be able to accumulate points.

Secondly, the ability to accrue points depends on the policies of the individual hotel and the discretion of the hotel staff. Some hotels have contracts with airlines that explicitly exclude points for crew members, while others may allow points or other perks like status upgrades. It is always worth asking the hotel staff if points or other benefits are available, as policies can vary even within the same hotel chain. Additionally, having a hotel-branded credit card can help to maximise the benefits.

Finally, it is important to note that while pilots may be able to accrue points, they often do not have control over their hotel choices, as these are usually predetermined by the company. However, some pilots, especially those working for corporate or non-airline companies, may have more flexibility in choosing their accommodations.

Pilots can take their families on vacations

Pilots can take their families on vacation, but their job does require them to work odd hours, including night flights and long international tours with time zone changes. This means that pilots' schedules can be unpredictable and may not always align with traditional school breaks or holidays. However, as employees, pilots are entitled to adequate rest periods and off-days between flights, as per FAA regulations and company policies.

The amount of time a pilot gets to spend at home with their family depends on various factors, including the airline they work for, the type of flying they do, and their seniority within the company. Most pilots get around two days off between flights, and they typically get either two weeks or about 10 days of vacation time per year. Some airlines, such as Allegiant and Hawaiian Airlines, prioritize schedules that allow their pilots to be home every night or have consistent days off.

Additionally, pilots' families may be able to join them on flights, depending on the airline's policies. This can provide an opportunity for pilots to combine their work and vacation time, allowing their families to accompany them on trips and explore new places together.

It's important to note that becoming a pilot and building seniority to gain a more favorable schedule can take several years. Obtaining a commercial pilot's license can take anywhere from 9 months to over a year, and building enough flight hours and experience to work for major airlines can take even longer.

Therefore, while pilots can take vacations and spend time with their families, the nature of their job may require some flexibility and planning.

Frequently asked questions