Top Reasons to Become an Airline Pilot

Discover the top reasons to become a commercial airline pilot, from exciting travel benefits to dynamic work environments and flexible schedules.
We Love Our Job
The airline piloting profession offers unique opportunities, benefits, and experiences you won’t find in many other jobs. Here’s why becoming a pilot could be the best decision you make.
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Flying an aircraft is fun.
Piloting an aircraft is a rush like no other. The excitement and satisfaction of controlling a plane in the sky is hard to put into words. -
You can't beat the views.
You won't find better office views than from a flight deck. Every day offers breathtaking vistas and new perspectives of the world from above. -
You'll have a flexible schedule.
As a professional airline pilot, you won’t follow the typical 9-to-5 schedule. Airline operations run around the clock, and pilots bid for their schedules, ensuring guaranteed time off between trips—often more than a traditional job offers. -
No two days are the same.
Every day brings new challenges and experiences. You’ll navigate changing weather conditions, travel to different cities, and experience the excitement of a truly dynamic profession. -
You can live where you want.
Your base city doesn’t determine where you live. With flight and travel benefits, pilots can choose to live near family, vacation destinations, or wherever they prefer, commuting to their home airport as needed. -
Seniority matters.
In the airline industry, your length of service counts. As you gain seniority, your pay, schedule, and overall quality of life improve, making the long-term rewards of being a pilot truly worthwhile. -
You'll enjoy unbeatable travel benefits.
As a pilot, you’ll have opportunities to travel the world, whether during layovers or vacations using flight benefits, often at little or no cost. Plus, you can share these incredible benefits with family and friends!
Bring a Pilot to Your School
Want to hear about life as an airline pilot? ALPA pilots volunteer their time to provide interactive presentations for schools. Inspire your students about aviation—bring an ALPA pilot to your school!
Become an Airline Pilot
Anyone with a passion for aviation and the desire to fly can pursue a career as an airline pilot.