“I’ve never looked back. Better work conditions, more flexibility at long haul and more days off. I work more hours than I did at domestic, but I’m financially better off and feel I actually have more of a routine”
Trying to decide between applying for a position as a long haul or a short haul crew member? Maybe you’re already a regional or domestic flightie and you’re looking to make the move over to the ‘dark side,’ but you’re not sure if it’s really the better option. We’ve previously put for the case for short haul being the best of both worlds but as someone who has worked both, here’s why I feel like a ‘real’ flight attendant working long haul routes, why the job challenges me so much more than short haul, and why international is “first class baby!”
Longer Layovers, Better Hotels, and Tax Free Meal Allowances
As a long haul flight attendant, you’ll actually get to stay in hotels as the norm. Short haul crew working for many airlines rarely have overnights and return to home base at the end of their duty. Usually the only time domestic crew see a hotel room is if it’s unscheduled where the aircraft goes unserviceable, or bad weather ground flights in or out of the airport where they are operating from.
For short haul crew, if you do stay overnight in a different port, you’ll probably be arriving on the last flight of the day, and leaving the first flight the next morning. This means most of your layovers are 12 hours or so. Not much time to do much else other than sleep. From what I’ve seen and heard, the hotels are usually decent enough, but in smaller cities and regional towns it will be more likely motels or travel lodges. Definitely not the grand lobby and facilities of the 5 star international hotel chains that long haul crew tend to stay at.
Long haul crew members usually get 24 hours minimum in an international port, sometimes a couple of days, and on those really sought after trips, even longer. They allows the ability to really travel around, and see neighbouring areas and cities. Of course you usually need a fair bit more rest as long haul crew, but often your day is not that much longer than a domestic cabin crew who will do four sectors in the day, totalling at least 10 hours.
You’ll also get given a generous amount of local currency in hand based on how long your layover is, to feel yourself and generally enjoy your time in the port. Let’s just say it’s more than enough! Short haul crew get something similar (but a smaller amount in my experience) for their overnights, but paid in their wages as a tax free component. I’m used to getting these expendable allowances now, and most crew factor their amounts into their pay, but when you think about it it’s pretty luxe to check into a fancy hotel, and be given a wad of cash for the privilege!
More Days Off and Less Early Morning Starts
Because you’re days are longer, you’ll get more of your hours worked in less days, meaning more days off and less trips to the airport. This saves on fuel, tolls and general wear and tear on your car. Because the trips can be up to a week long, there are many international crew who live in one city and commute by plane, to work in another. – often this is hundreds of kilometres away. Long haul offers this kind of flexibility.
Sure you’ll be away for longer periods, but when you’re home, it will be for much longer. You’ll more regularly get a good chunk of days off in a row after completing a trip. Forget the regular early morning wake ups too, but better get used to the idea of being a night owl. You’ll be working the red eye flights a lot!
Dream Destinations, The Potential To Really See The World
It’s such an enormous thrill and buzz to start the morning in one city and by the end of the day, be enjoying the food, sights and smells of another exotic location. Short haul crew really don’t get this privilege and it’s such an incredible perk to be paid to basically experience different cultures. You might travel to the opposite season, enjoying a reprieve from the heat in a winter wonderland, or escape the cold at home and sit poolside in a balmy equatorial Asian metropolis.
If you’re a fan of languages, international crew members really get the chance to practice their lingo as well as have priceless cultural experiences, depending on where they are flying to. Shopping. Oh yes, then there’s bargain to be had, and unique handicrafts and souvenirs that can’t be found anywhere else.
Wide Body Aircraft and Proper Crew Rest
“I love flying on a tiny plane”
Said pretty much no flight attendant ever. Or passenger for that matter.
If you’re a hashtag AVGEEEK or AEROSEXUAL you’ll want to fly on the big jets. More space for chit chatting, for people’s baggage and more crew. I don’t have the same kind of cabin baggage issues at international like I did at short haul, where people were going away for a weekend and wanted to bring all their items on board. Working on a bigger plane is kind of like comparing working on a small dingy to a big cruise liner, it’s just a fair bit more exciting, there’s an espresso machine, and a toaster!
Long haul cabin crew also have dedicated crew rest areas to use on their flights, getting to sleep on the job. At short haul, it’s pretty much sit on the jumpseat when you get a chance and shove some food down your throat before you land.
Sure you’re pretty tired as long haul and need the rest, but it’s underreported how knackered you can get as domestic crew too. You might do four flights in a day, and then do it again the next day, or go from working a night turnaround, to an early shift.
One Flight Per Day, More to Offer Passengers and Everything is Included
One flight per day means only one boarding and disembarkation, one safety demonstration. There’s no fussing about with collecting payment for blankets, entertainment, and food and beverages. Everything is included and generally you have a lot more to offer people. The service is much more involved, but you’ve got the time to do it, so you don’t feel like you are rushing to throw a drink and snack to everyone before the wheels go down for landing.
SO IS LONG HAUL FOR ME?
Personally, with the kind of schedule that I currently have, and the benefits I receive, for now I’m international all the way! But it’s just one side of the story, and there’s definitely good arguments to be made for each.
For those wanting to take the plunge, I say go for it. It’s not as fatiguing, scary, or isolating as you might think or be told, you just need to make sure you balance the other areas of your life. It really is a different level of flying and allows you to enjoy the perks of the job, socialise with crew more and feel like you are a ‘serious’ flight attendant. Go on, scratch that itch and give it a go.
