Domestic Vs International Flights: How Do They Compare For US Pilots?

Summary US narrowbody pilots mainly fly domestically, but international flying is typical for regional and mainline pilots alike. Many international flights from the US are short-haul continental flights to countries in the Americas. All airline pilots can fly internationally.

Arrival back in the US usually requires customs clearance. Flying internationally is less common for US pilots than for pilots in other parts of the world. However, international flying is still rather commonplace for regional and mainline pilots alike.

This article will identify some of the differences between international and domestic flying for US pilots and the additional considerations that crews make when flying out of the country. Perspectives on international flying International flying seems to be commonly associated with intercontinental flying in the US. Compared to Europe and other parts of the world, the US is significantly more vast, with countless domestic destinations, likely contributing to this perception.

The reality is that many international flights into and out of the US are continental flights serving Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. Another large swath of international flights are short-haul journeys to Central America or the northern parts of South America. International trips can be quick turnaround flights where the crew flies to a destination, stays on the plane, and then continues back to the US.

This usually doesn't require the flight attendants or pilots to transit any s.