Location Transport

Does your location limit which airline you fly for?

If I live in Seattle can I work for let's say, Japan Airlines? Will my location affect me in any way? I won't have to move anywhere will I?

Public Comments

1. It depends on the airline. Some want you to live close to a crew base, others don't care where you live just as long as you sign in for your duty tour at the appropriate place and time. As a general rule, though, the more senority you have with whichever carrier you work for, the more flexibility you will have, since you will have more choice in your scheduling. Good Luck.
2. I was a pilot for the Japanese for 5 years and I had to live in Yokohama. They paid for moving and paid a large percentage of the apartment rental in Japan. When you fly for a major carrier, they expect you to be within reasonable distance (time) to the airport. Delays, trip substitutions, charters, weather problems etc. etc. are a "way of life" with an airline and you are being paid to be available when needed. If you later become a very senior Captain and have a very good scheduled line of flying, SOMETIMES it is possible to "commute" to pick up your flights...but until that time, you will be expected to be close to the airport. BUT......having said that........there are some carriers that do not care WHERE you live......just show up on time for your schedule.........just heaven help you if you miss your flight!!
3. If you don't like moving around and being away from home then don't go into airline flying. There are other flying jobs.
4. With domestic airlines it doesn't affect you. For foreign airlines they usually want you to live in the country. Most US airlines don't care as long as you are there when you need to be. Within 2 hours of your base when on reserve, and in some cases they want you within 2 hours of base 24 hours before you are scheduled. If you go international, you are better off moving, the commute would suck and the time at home would be limited.
5. Not at all! As long as your airline you want to work there has planes that travel to the airport it is OK! Check to see if they are hiring in your area.