What I wish I had said....

I haven't written in ages, but today a topic came up, one of many that comes up on a regular basis if you are married to a pilot (or to anyone who travels regularly no doubt).

I've spent much of the last twelve odd years addressing questions and topics with as much patience and politeness as I can muster, however I will admit on some days it can become a little tiresome.

So here are the top 5 questions/comments, my RA (Real Answer) and my WA (what I wish I had said answer). If in 2019 I start to mix up the two in conversation ~ I (sort of) apologise:

• He's gone 1/2/3 months? Really? Wow. Actually - that's not really that long at all, that's ok.
  

RA: No, it's not too bad, it can be difficult though you know.
WA: Ironic you saying that considering the last time your husband/wife/child was away for a week you acted as though they'd left for 50yrs, may not recognize you upon their return & couldn't see anyone for a week when they first got back due to needing 'quality time' alone with them.

• You married a pilot - wow, they all make LOADS of money!

RA: Yes, there are some great paying jobs, there are some pretty badly paying ones in less than ideal locations and conditions too. It's not all roses.

WA: They do, in fact a pilots license is a solid gold bar that they have to carry around with them at all times. We live the way we do because we don't want to show off.

• We haven't seen you guys in ages
  

RA: Well my husband only gets 14 days off, 3 of which hes traveling, 2 of which he's jet-lagged. Which only gives us 9 days together & there's usually a lot to get done.
WA: I'm sorry, in the future I'll make sure to schedule all our family time (ask them how much this is too), quality time and getting important things done after seeing you first. Also – see question ones WA.

• So you get free flights and travel first class everywhere right? OMG you are SO lucky!

RA: Some airlines provide tickets, some provide free upgrades, some do both, some do neither. It's most definitely not guaranteed and almost impossible in peak travel seasons anyway.

WA: Airlines actually have a few planes on permanent standby for crew family members who want to fly anywhere they wish with no notice. These flights provide first class service only. It's a secret though, don't tell anyone

• So does your husband work for Emirates?

RA: No, he actually works for “????”

WA: He does, but they call themselves “???” in other countries. There are actually no other airlines in the world apart from Emirates. They own every aircraft on the planet, ALL of them...but shhh, it's another secret.