10/21/2026
The truth about being an airline pilot ✈️
Every good part comes with a tradeoff.
PRO: Once established, it can be a stable career.
CON: Furloughs and airline bankruptcies can still happen.
PRO: More days off than most jobs.
CON: When you’re working, you’re usually away from home.
PRO: Flight benefits for you and your family.
CON: Standby travel can be stressful, especially when everyone needs a seat.
PRO: The pay can become excellent.
CON: Training is expensive, and the early years require paying your dues.
PRO: Amazing schedule flexibility.
CON: Seniority controls almost everything, and changing airlines means starting at the bottom.
With all that said, I still think being an airline pilot is the best job in the world. I wouldn’t trade careers with anyone. I talk about the positives constantly, but I also want to be honest about the tradeoffs that come with them.
Flight school I attended and recommend:
Check them out through the link in my bio.
Want to become a pilot? My e-book, Becoming an Airline Pilot, is also linked in my bio.