Domestic or International?

SHORT haul or long haul? That is the question…

There are many pros and cons when it comes to flying for either Domestic or International. In some airlines, depending on their base location short haul may be international (think Emirates…Dubai to Mumbai is a return flight with no layover).

Below is my own personal list of what I found to be beneficial for:

Short haul
✈︎ Minimal service on offer (dependent on the airline)
✈︎ Minimal risk of fatigue
✈︎ Back home the same day
✈︎ Only with the passengers for a short amount of time

Long haul
✈︎ More time to conduct the service
✈︎ More crew on the flight (depending on the airline and aircraft type)
✈︎ More time with passengers, engaging and connecting
✈︎ Crew rest (depending on the airline, aircraft type and length of duty)
✈︎ Finishing your shift at an exotic location
✈︎ Only one boarding/take-off per shift

and the cons…

Short haul
✈︎ Time pressures
✈︎ Fast paced operation (although this, in my view, is also a positive)
✈︎ Back home the same day
✈︎ Potentially multiple boardings/disembarkations take offs/landings per shift

Long haul
✈︎ Risk of fatigue
✈︎ Longer time with passengers, potential for problems to arise
✈︎ Crossing time zones
✈︎ The exotic destination has a completely different climate (risk of sickness)
✈︎ Dehydration
✈︎ Tiring on the body

As you can see, the benefits of short haul are short just like the cons. Whereas the benefits of long haul are lengthy just like the cons.

As with everything, compromise is necessary. We need to accept that not everything will be a ‘win,’ however hopefully this provides a bit more of an insight to help you decide which path you’d like to go down…

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