What Are the Biggest Perks of Being an Airline Pilot?

While every pilot has their own reasons for enjoying the profession, certain benefits are frequently cited as reasons why flying can be such a rewarding career.

The Satisfaction of Flying a Commercial Aircraft

For many pilots, the greatest benefit of the job is simply getting to fly. Being trusted to operate a sophisticated commercial aircraft safely, often carrying hundreds of passengers, provides a level of personal responsibility and satisfaction that can be difficult to match.

There is something special about taking off from a busy international airport, watching the landscape disappear beneath you and climbing above the clouds. Equally, completing a challenging approach in difficult weather, using good judgement and effective teamwork, can be extremely rewarding.

Modern airliners are highly automated, but that doesn’t mean pilots simply sit back and watch the autopilot. Pilots continually monitor the aircraft, manage its systems, make operational decisions, communicate with air traffic control and prepare for situations that may require intervention.

Even after many years in the profession, the combination of technical skill, responsibility and the satisfaction of a well-managed flight can remain one of its greatest attractions.

Some of the Best Views You’ll Ever Experience

The view from the flight deck is another obvious advantage. Watching the sun rise above a blanket of cloud, seeing the Northern Lights, flying over snow-covered mountains or approaching a city illuminated at night can be remarkable experiences.

Although pilots become accustomed to spending much of their working lives in the air, there are still moments that remind them how fortunate they are to have such an unusual workplace.

Of course, not every flight offers spectacular scenery. Much of the work involves routine procedures, operational monitoring and ordinary day-to-day flying, but the opportunity to experience these views remains a genuine perk.

Do Airline Pilots Get Free or Discounted Flights?

Staff travel is one of the most attractive employment benefits offered by many airlines. Pilots and other eligible airline employees may receive discounted travel on their employer’s network and, in some cases, on other airlines through reciprocal staff travel agreements.

However, the rules differ significantly between employers. It’s important not to assume that every pilot receives free flights, unlimited travel or guaranteed Business Class seats.

How Does Airline Staff Travel Work?

Airlines commonly provide different categories of staff travel, depending on employment conditions and the fare or concession selected.

As a real-world example, one major UK airline advertises discounted confirmed tickets, standby and premium standby travel, alongside annual bookable travel concessions for eligible pilots. Other airlines provide different benefits or more limited arrangements.

Is Staff Travel Really as Good as It Sounds?

It can be extremely valuable, particularly for pilots who enjoy travelling during their time off. A flight that would ordinarily cost hundreds of pounds might be available at a much lower staff travel fare.

However, standby travel requires flexibility. You may not be allocated a seat until shortly before departure, and you could be unable to board if the flight is full. In some circumstances, an unexpected overnight stay or an alternative ticket can outweigh the original savings.

Taxes, airport charges and other fees may still apply. Premium-cabin accommodation is also subject to the airline’s specific rules and available seating.

For more information, read Do Airline Pilots Get Cheap Flights? →

How Much Time Off Do Airline Pilots Get?

One of the biggest lifestyle differences between airline flying and conventional office employment is the roster. Pilots do not normally work a standard Monday-to-Friday, nine-to-five schedule.

Instead, they operate according to a published roster containing flying duties, standby periods, training, leave and designated days off. Depending on the airline, these working patterns can provide several consecutive days free from duty.

Some pilots particularly enjoy having weekdays off when shops, attractions and leisure facilities are quieter. Others appreciate being able to take a short holiday or spend several uninterrupted days with family without using annual leave.

How Many Days Off Does a Pilot Get Each Month?

There is no universal number. The amount depends on the airline, fleet, employment contract, roster, seasonal flying programme and the applicable duty-time regulations.

Some airlines offer predictable patterns with consecutive days on and off. Others use variable monthly rosters, where the number and position of days off change from month to month.

Long-haul pilots may have substantial periods free from rostered duties following trips involving several days away from home or multiple time-zone changes. However, this does not necessarily mean they enjoy more usable leisure time than short-haul pilots.

An important distinction: A day free from rostered duty is not always the same as a day of enjoyable leisure. For example, a pilot returning home after a demanding night flight may spend part of the following day recovering or sleeping.

Can Airline Pilots Take Holidays?

Airline pilots receive annual leave according to their employment arrangements and applicable employment law. At some airlines, annual leave can be combined with rostered days off to create relatively long breaks from work.

However, popular holiday periods such as Christmas, Easter and school summer holidays can be particularly competitive. Leave allocation may depend on seniority, bidding arrangements or company rules.

Some airlines provide mechanisms for requesting particular days off, swapping duties or protecting the roster around important personal occasions. Such arrangements can be extremely valuable, but they are not universal.

For a more detailed explanation, see How Many Days Off Do Airline Pilots Get? →

How Do Airline Pilot Rosters Work?

An airline pilot roster is a schedule showing when the pilot is expected to work, remain available for standby, undertake training, take annual leave or have time off.

Rosters vary significantly between airlines. Some operators provide fixed repeating patterns, while others publish a new schedule each month or use a combination of fixed and variable duties.

Example: A Five-On, Four-Off Pilot Roster

One major European low-cost airline advertises a stable five-days-on, four-days-off working pattern, with no planned overnight stops and rosters published approximately four weeks in advance.

A simplified example of this repeating pattern is shown below:

Early Shifts, Late Shifts and Standby

A short-haul pilot might begin an early duty before sunrise, potentially waking at 3 or 4am to report to the airport. On a late duty, the same pilot may not return home until after midnight.

Some airlines use blocks of early and late duties, while others have more variable starting times. Roster design, commuting distance and the timing of rest periods can make a significant difference to the quality of life.

Pilots may also be placed on standby, meaning they must be available to report for duty within a specified period if required. Depending on the company, standby may take place at home, at an airport or at another designated location.

Standby is therefore not necessarily equivalent to a normal day off, even if the pilot is never called to operate a flight.

How Are Flying Hours Different from Working Hours?

Airline pilots do much more than fly the aircraft between take-off and landing. Their duties also involve preparation, reviewing weather and flight plans, aircraft checks, briefings, turnarounds and post-flight responsibilities.

As a result, a pilot’s total duty period can be considerably longer than the actual flight time recorded for the day.

UK and European aviation regulations establish flight time limitations, duty limits and minimum rest requirements to manage fatigue. However, these requirements are designed to support operational safety and should not be confused with a guarantee of a conventional working pattern.

Read the UK CAA guidance on flight time limitations and fatigue management.

Which Type of Commercial Flying Offers the Best Lifestyle?

The lifestyle of a regional pilot, low-cost airline pilot, long-haul pilot, cargo pilot or corporate jet pilot can be substantially different.

The comparison below summarises common patterns. These are general characteristics rather than guarantees, as individual airline contracts and rosters can differ considerably.

There is no universally best type of flying. A pilot with young children may place a high value on sleeping at home, while another pilot might enjoy exploring different countries and spending several days overseas. Your ideal lifestyle may also change as your personal circumstances develop.

What Is the Lifestyle Like for a Short-Haul Airline Pilot?

Short-haul flying is a popular career route, particularly for pilots who want to remain based in one country and potentially return home after most duties.

Many low-cost airlines operate aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 on routes across Europe and nearby regions. Depending on the airline, a typical working day might involve two, four or occasionally more flight sectors.

The Benefits of Short-Haul Flying

• Being home regularly: Some airlines schedule few or no overnight stops from certain bases.
• Predictable roster patterns: Fixed work-and-rest cycles can make forward planning easier.
• Frequent take-offs and landings: Short-haul pilots may enjoy more opportunities to practise aircraft handling and operational decision-making.
• Varied destinations: Pilots can visit numerous airports and encounter a wide range of operational environments.
• Potentially attractive pay: Experienced short-haul Captains at major airlines can earn substantial salaries.

The Less Attractive Parts of Short-Haul Flying

Short-haul flying can involve very early reporting times, late finishes, busy turnaround schedules and repeated high-workload phases during a single duty.

Four flight sectors in one day can mean four separate departures, approaches and landings, along with associated briefing, flight planning and operational responsibilities.

Some short-haul airlines have seasonal schedules, with particularly intensive summer flying programmes and quieter winter periods.

Although pilots may return home on most working days, this advantage can be reduced if they live a considerable distance from their operating base. Driving or commuting for several hours after a demanding duty can make the lifestyle less appealing.

Is Low-Cost Airline Flying a Good Lifestyle?

It certainly can be. Some low-cost airlines offer relatively stable rostering patterns and attractive salaries, particularly for experienced pilots.

However, employment conditions vary between airlines, countries and contracts. It is important to investigate roster stability, base availability, time off, remuneration and the number of planned overnight stops rather than assume that all low-cost airlines operate identically.

For a detailed explanation of a working day, see A Typical Day for a Short-Haul Airline Pilot →

What Is the Lifestyle Like for a Long-Haul Airline Pilot?

Long-haul flying is often associated with the glamorous image of the airline pilot career: travelling across continents, staying in international hotels and operating large aircraft such as the Boeing 787, Boeing 777, Airbus A350 or Airbus A380.

These opportunities can be genuinely enjoyable, but long-haul flying also brings a very different set of lifestyle challenges.

The Advantages of Long-Haul Flying

Long-haul pilots may have the opportunity to visit major international destinations and enjoy layovers between flights. Depending on the airline and schedule, a pilot might spend time in New York, Singapore, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Cape Town or numerous other destinations.

Some trips provide opportunities for sightseeing, exercising, visiting restaurants or simply enjoying a different environment while away from home.

Long-haul flying can also provide extended periods without rostered duties following trips, although some of this time may be required for recovery.

At major legacy airlines, long-haul fleets may also offer very attractive remuneration, particularly for experienced Captains and pilots undertaking training or checking responsibilities.

The Reality of Long-Haul Layovers

One important misconception is that pilots automatically spend their time away from home sightseeing or relaxing beside a swimming pool.

In reality, the amount of leisure time depends on the length of the layover, the flight schedule, required rest and how fatigued the crew feel after the previous duty.

A pilot arriving after an overnight flight might spend a substantial part of the day sleeping. A short layover may leave relatively little opportunity to explore the destination before preparing for the return flight.

Longer layovers can be much more enjoyable, but they still require the pilot to manage their sleep, personal routine and fitness for duty.

The Challenges of Long-Haul Flying

• Extended periods away from partners, children and home.
• Crossing multiple time zones and experiencing jet lag.
• Working through the night or at times when the body would normally expect sleep.
• Missing birthdays, holidays and other family occasions.
• Maintaining exercise, nutrition and social routines while travelling.
• Potentially less frequent opportunities for take-offs and landings than short-haul flying.

Long-haul operations may use augmented flight crews, allowing pilots to take designated rest periods during particularly long flights. These arrangements are governed by the applicable operational and fatigue-management requirements.

Long-haul flying is not necessarily a later career stage that every pilot must progress towards. Some pilots join long-haul fleets relatively early, while others spend their entire careers flying short-haul aircraft because they prefer the operation or lifestyle.

Read a First-Hand Account of a Long-Haul Pilot’s Working Day →

What Is the Lifestyle Like for a Regional Airline Pilot?

Regional airlines operate shorter routes, frequently connecting smaller cities and airports with larger aviation hubs. They may use turboprop aircraft such as the ATR 72 or regional jets such as the Embraer family.

Regional flying can provide excellent operational experience. The relatively short sectors mean that pilots may complete numerous take-offs, approaches and landings, often operating into airports with different terrain, weather and operational characteristics.

Some pilots enjoy the smaller working environment associated with regional aviation, where they may become familiar with a relatively limited network of bases and colleagues.

However, regional flying isn’t necessarily easier than flying larger aircraft. Short sectors can be demanding, particularly in poor weather or at busy airports, and there may be limited time between the individual phases of flight.

Roster patterns differ between operators. Some regional pilots return to their base regularly, while others operate multi-day trips and spend nights away from home.

Pay can also differ considerably from larger airlines, although regional command experience may provide useful opportunities for professional development.

What Is the Lifestyle Like for a Cargo Pilot?

Cargo flying is a major part of commercial aviation, ranging from smaller aircraft carrying freight between regional airports to large long-haul freighters operating international networks.

Some cargo pilots work on schedules similar to passenger airline crews. Others operate primarily at night, when freight networks are particularly active.

The Benefits of Cargo Flying

Cargo operations can provide interesting and varied flying, often including airports and destinations not commonly served by passenger airlines.

Some operators provide predictable rotations with blocks of consecutive working days followed by extended time off. This can appeal to pilots who prefer a structured work-and-rest cycle.

Cargo airlines may also provide attractive long-term earnings, particularly at major international operators.

The Challenges of Cargo Flying

Night operations are a significant consideration. A pilot might regularly report for duty when most people are preparing for bed and finish work shortly after sunrise.

This can affect sleep, family life and opportunities to participate in ordinary daytime activities.

Some cargo flights also operate at weekends or during public holidays, particularly where customers require time-sensitive deliveries.

However, the industry is diverse. Pilots should compare the actual operation and roster rather than assume that all cargo flying takes place at night or follows the same rotation.

What Is the Lifestyle Like for a Business Jet or Corporate Pilot?

Business aviation can provide a very different professional experience from scheduled airline flying.

Corporate and business jet pilots operate aircraft for private owners, companies, charter operators and aircraft management organisations. Their aircraft may range from relatively small business jets to large intercontinental aircraft capable of flying long distances.

The Attractions of Business Aviation

• Flying to a wide variety of destinations, including airports rarely used by scheduled airlines.
• Operating sophisticated aircraft such as Gulfstream, Bombardier Global and Dassault Falcon jets.
• Working in relatively small crew teams.
• Potentially taking on a wider range of operational and planning responsibilities.
• Attractive remuneration in some large-cabin international operations.
• Fixed working rotations at certain operators.

Why Can Business Aviation Be Unpredictable?

Some corporate flight departments operate a relatively stable schedule. Others are primarily driven by the travel requirements of aircraft owners or charter customers.

This may mean being given relatively short notice of a flight, spending several days on standby or remaining overseas while waiting for the next assignment.

Business jet pilots may also have responsibilities beyond operating the aircraft, including additional flight planning, ground arrangements and coordination with passengers or handling agents.

However, it is important not to assume that all corporate pilots are permanently on call. Some larger operators offer structured rotations, defined days off and more predictable employment arrangements.

The quality of life depends heavily on the operator, aircraft, contract and the expectations placed on the crew.

Is Being an Airline Pilot Good for Family Life?

Airline flying can be an excellent career for family life in some circumstances, but it can also create significant challenges.

The most important factors are often the pilot’s roster, distance from their operating base, time spent away from home, seniority and the flexibility available when arranging annual leave or requesting particular days off.

The Benefits for Family Life

A pilot with a predictable roster and several consecutive days off may have more uninterrupted time available than somebody who works five days every week.

This can be particularly enjoyable for family activities, hobbies or spending time with children during school holidays where the roster permits.

Some pilots also value having weekdays off, allowing them to attend school events, appointments or other activities that might be difficult during conventional office hours.

The Challenges for Family Life

The obvious disadvantage is that airlines operate throughout the year, including weekends and public holidays. Christmas Day, birthdays, weddings and other special occasions may fall on rostered working days.

Long-haul pilots may be away from home for several days at a time, while short-haul pilots can experience very early or late duties that limit the amount of time they see their families on working days.

Even when a pilot returns home after a duty, fatigue and the need to prepare for the next report time can affect how much quality time is available.

Where a pilot lives a long way from their base, commuting can add another significant burden.

Can Pilots Request Particular Days Off?

Some airlines provide systems for requesting days off, swapping duties, bidding for annual leave or protecting important personal occasions. The availability and effectiveness of these arrangements depend on the employer.

For example, certain UK airlines advertise roster protection arrangements, pre-booked requested days off and other flexibility mechanisms. These can be valuable when managing family commitments.

Nevertheless, pilots should not assume that every important day can be guaranteed or that they will always receive their preferred annual leave dates.

Does Being an Airline Pilot Affect Your Health and Sleep?

Airline flying is a safety-critical profession, and managing fatigue is a fundamental part of safe operations.

Working very early mornings, late nights or through the normal sleeping period can affect the body’s internal clock. Long-haul pilots may also experience jet lag caused by crossing multiple time zones.

These factors make adequate rest and effective fatigue management essential throughout an aviation career.

How Are Pilot Working Hours Regulated?

In the UK and Europe, airlines must comply with flight time limitation and rest requirements designed to manage the risk of fatigue. The rules cover matters such as flying hours, flight duty periods, standby and minimum rest.

Operators must also have procedures to identify and manage fatigue-related risks, and pilots have responsibilities to report fatigue concerns and ensure they are fit for duty.

Regulatory compliance is an essential safety requirement, but it does not mean that every roster will feel equally comfortable or that fatigue is completely eliminated.

Sleep, Exercise and Healthy Routines

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can require more planning as a pilot than in a conventional daytime job. Consistent sleep opportunities, exercise, nutrition and sensible management of rest periods are particularly important.

For pilots flying internationally, it can also be difficult to maintain familiar routines while spending nights in hotels or working across different time zones.

For some pilots, a roster with several consecutive days off provides excellent opportunities to exercise, pursue hobbies or spend quality time at home. For others, the need to recover after difficult duties can reduce the practical value of this time.

Other Occupational Health Considerations

Research has also considered the occupational effects of circadian disruption, cosmic ionising radiation and other environmental exposures associated with aviation.

For example, aviation crews are exposed to higher levels of cosmic radiation at flight altitudes than people normally experience on the ground. Exposure depends on factors including altitude, route, latitude and time spent flying.

These are legitimate occupational health considerations, but it would be misleading to suggest that every pilot will develop health problems as a result of flying. Individual risk is influenced by multiple factors, and research continues into longer-term outcomes.

For authoritative information, consult the CDC/NIOSH guidance on aircrew occupational exposures and the UK CAA’s fatigue management guidance.

What Financial and Employment Benefits Do Airline Pilots Receive?

Although salary is not the only reason to become a pilot, remuneration is certainly an important advantage of the profession, particularly as pilots gain seniority and progress into command.

Experienced airline Captains at major airlines can earn substantial salaries. Senior training and checking appointments may provide additional remuneration, while employer pension contributions can considerably increase the value of the overall employment package.

However, the starting salaries and contractual arrangements for newly qualified pilots can be very different. It is also important to remember that initial flight training can be expensive, particularly for self-funded applicants.

Other Employment Benefits

Depending on the airline and contract, a pilot’s benefits may include:

• Employer pension contributions and retirement benefits.
• Discounted personal and family travel.
• Private medical insurance or healthcare benefits.
• Life assurance, income protection or loss-of-licence cover.
• Paid annual leave and parental leave arrangements.
• Flexible working or part-time opportunities where available.
• Training and checking appointments with additional remuneration.
• Paid recurrent training, medical examinations or professional licence costs.
• Corporate discounts and other employee benefits.

These benefits can be highly valuable, but they are not provided on identical terms across the industry. Some airlines offer more competitive basic salaries but fewer additional benefits, while others have strong pension arrangements or more generous leave and travel concessions.

When comparing employment opportunities, consider the total remuneration package alongside the actual quality of the working roster.

For a detailed breakdown by rank, seniority and airline type, read How Much Do Airline Pilots Get Paid? →

Is Being an Airline Pilot a Rewarding Career?

For many people, the satisfaction of being a professional pilot comes from far more than the salary or travel benefits.

Flying requires continual learning, technical knowledge, good judgement, communication and teamwork. Pilots are expected to maintain high professional standards and undergo regular training and assessment throughout their careers.

The role provides opportunities to develop these skills while working in an environment where operational decisions genuinely matter.

Working as Part of a Professional Team

Airline flying relies on effective cooperation between pilots, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, engineers, dispatchers and numerous other operational professionals.

A particular attraction is the opportunity to work with colleagues from a wide variety of backgrounds. On some flights, you may be working alongside familiar colleagues, while on others you may meet your fellow crew members for the first time.

Good teamwork is essential, and many pilots find the shared responsibility and camaraderie to be among the most enjoyable aspects of the job.

A Career That Continues to Challenge You

Aviation is a highly regulated industry that continually evolves. New aircraft technology, updated procedures and changing operational environments require pilots to maintain and develop their knowledge.

Career progression may involve moving from First Officer to Captain, undertaking training or checking responsibilities, joining safety or standards departments, or taking on flight operations management roles.

These opportunities can provide variety and professional satisfaction over a career spanning several decades.

However, recurrent simulator assessments, technical study and maintaining medical certification are also ongoing obligations. This is not a profession where training ends once you obtain your first airline job.

How to Choose the Right Airline Pilot Lifestyle for You

If you are considering becoming an airline pilot, it is worth thinking carefully about the lifestyle you want rather than focusing exclusively on the airline’s reputation, salary or aircraft type.

Two pilots may be equally happy in very different roles. One might enjoy long-haul flying and overseas layovers, while another may strongly prefer a short-haul operation that allows them to sleep at home after most duties.

Which Flying Lifestyle Might Suit You?

There is also no need to assume that your preferred type of flying will remain the same throughout your career. Pilots sometimes change fleets, airlines or sectors as their personal circumstances and priorities evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airline Pilot Lifestyle

Is Being an Airline Pilot a Good Lifestyle?

It can be extremely rewarding. Many pilots enjoy the flying, travel opportunities, consecutive days off, salary and professional satisfaction. However, rosters, early starts, nights away and family commitments can make the lifestyle challenging for some people.

Do Airline Pilots Get to Travel for Free?

Many airlines provide staff travel concessions, which may include discounted standby and confirmed tickets. The rules differ between employers, and taxes, charges and seat availability may apply. Free or heavily discounted travel should never be assumed to be guaranteed.

Do Pilots Get More Days Off Than Office Workers?

Some pilots have several consecutive rostered days off and may enjoy more free weekdays than conventional office workers. However, the total amount of time off depends on the airline and contract, and those days may follow demanding duties or periods away from home.

Are Airline Pilots Home Every Night?

Some short-haul pilots return to their home base after most duties, particularly at operators with no planned overnight stops. Other short-haul pilots operate overnight trips, while long-haul pilots may be away for several days. Cargo and business aviation schedules vary widely.

Do Pilots Get Weekends Off?

Sometimes, but weekends are normal operating days for airlines. Whether a pilot receives a particular weekend off depends on their roster, requested days off, annual leave and the airline’s scheduling arrangements.

Do Pilots Work on Christmas Day?

Some do. Airlines operate throughout the Christmas period, and pilots may be rostered on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and other public holidays. Leave or roster requests may be available, but preferred dates are not always guaranteed.

Do Long-Haul Pilots Get to Enjoy Their Destinations?

Sometimes. Longer layovers can provide opportunities for sightseeing and leisure activities. However, pilots must also obtain adequate rest, and shorter layovers may leave very little time for exploring.

Is Short-Haul or Long-Haul Flying Better for Family Life?

There is no universal answer. Short-haul flying may allow pilots to sleep at home more regularly, but early and late duties can be disruptive. Long-haul pilots may have useful blocks free from duty, but spend more consecutive days overseas. Your roster and home base often matter more than the aircraft type.

Do Pilots Get Tired of Flying?

Like any profession, airline flying includes routine work and demanding days. However, many pilots continue to enjoy the technical challenges, variety and satisfaction of operating aircraft throughout their careers. Individual experiences naturally differ.

Do Airline Pilots Have to Move Abroad?

Not necessarily. Pilots may be able to obtain employment at a base near home, depending on airline recruitment and operational requirements. Some pilots relocate internationally or commute to another base, but these arrangements involve additional practical considerations.

Are Pilots Allowed to Work Part-Time?

Some airlines offer part-time flying, flexible working or reduced-hours arrangements, but availability depends on the employer, contractual terms, eligibility and operational requirements. Such arrangements may not be available to newly qualified pilots.

What Is the Hardest Part of Being an Airline Pilot?

Common challenges include fatigue, irregular working hours, periods away from family, recurrent training and the responsibility associated with operating commercial aircraft. The most difficult aspect depends on the individual and their type of flying.

Is Being a Pilot Worth It for the Travel Benefits Alone?

Travel benefits can be excellent, but becoming a professional pilot involves considerable training, responsibility and ongoing medical and assessment requirements. The career is best suited to people who genuinely enjoy aviation and the work itself, rather than those attracted only by discounted flights.

Our Advice: Is the Airline Pilot Lifestyle Worth It?

Being an airline pilot can be an incredibly satisfying career. The opportunity to fly sophisticated aircraft, enjoy unusual views, travel internationally and work with skilled colleagues makes it a profession unlike almost any other.

The financial rewards can also be substantial, especially as pilots gain seniority and progress into command or training positions. Discounted travel, pensions, annual leave and other employment benefits can further enhance the overall package.

However, the lifestyle is not suitable for everyone. Irregular working patterns, early mornings, late finishes, fatigue and time spent away from home can affect family life and personal commitments.

Much of the difference comes down to the airline and operation. A short-haul pilot living close to their base may enjoy a very different lifestyle from somebody who commutes long distances or regularly operates multi-day international trips.

Explore More About Life as an Airline Pilot

These FlightDeckFriend guides provide more detail about rosters, working days, salaries and the differences between airline operations.