What It's Really Like Being Married to a Commercial Airline Pilot

Today, I'm sharing what it's REALLY like to be married to a commercial airline pilot. As the daughter of a pilot and the wife of one for almost 30 years, I feel like I know what I'm talking about and am happy to share with you the TRUTH about the aviation life!

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[apackwestbound]

I'm an airline pilot, with 40 years in this industry. who stumbled across your channel. I have absolutely NOTHING to add to your video, I couldn't "improve" it if I tried. You absolutely NAILED it. My parents were both with Pan Am as well. I also actively discouraged my 3 kids from getting into aviation (2nd generation is enough) for all the same reasons even though I couldn't imagine doing anything different for myself.

[Ckawauchi]

I met my husband in my early 40s while he was a captain on UA 767s. No kids. It is the best thing that ever happened to both of us. I am a loner so I enjoy my alone time but whenever he came home, it was always in the honeymoon phase. He just retired but he got bored so he had to take another part-time job in the airline industry. We are happy and secure in our retirement, happy to be together on trips, and just being together through our old age. I wouldn't change anything about our life/love story.

[maureencarney]

Daughter of commercial pilots over here🙋‍♀️. Agree 100% with the good and the bad you mentioned! My mom has always said that the toughest part of being married to a pilot was that she had no choice but to be the good cop and the bad cop when it came to parenting. However on the positive side whenever my dad was home he was completely present - no late conference calls/deadlines that my friends parents had. I don’t think I appreciated that when I was younger!

[PianoByAndrew]

“Santa Claus also works on Christmas” 🤣🤣😂😂

[flylikeamber]

I am a pilot in training and appreciate having videos like this available to watch! I plan on having children in the future and I'm trying to gather as much info as I can. Thank you Jen!

[joejoey]

As a pilot that lives on base I’m home more than most 9-5ers . My wife sometimes wonders if I’ve been laid off since I’m often in and out of a trip all while she’s still asleep

[PilotCesar]

I love this video, I’m a student pilot and my future wife is becoming a nurse, so think that our future is going to be interesting.

[its_milkyway]

Thanks for the video. The whole time I watched this, a little piece of my heart toward being a pilot started to get bigger. Well I should look up for more informations about aviations but I can tell this video is a good start. Thanks again, have a lovely day!

[frankpoynter]

This is the first time seeing your channel. My wife could have posted this. I am a retired corporate pilot I flew long haul for about 20 years. Enjoy your videos.

[johnnydossantos]

Fantastic narrative of an airline’s pilot family life. Thanks for sharing

[rocketman]

A nice, balanced view to the industry! I never regret my career, but I always tell people that if you want to do it, make sure you really love it first, otherwise you'll quickly grow to hate it.

[pekingese]

I love how open and real you are Jen! Thanks for another great video!

[sacredyveltal]

Thank you for the enlightment! I feel like we might not have a big problem with the scheduling because we're already in a long-distance relationship and requieres tons of effort on both parts when it comes to planning. He's a biggie plane enthusiast and will be starting his PPL this fall hopefully <3 I'm already proud of him hehe

[aimeemoore]

I just came across your channel. I absolutely love it! It's very interesting and I can't wait for some stories over the years of being a pilots wife

[JoyfulLivingwithJenLefforge]

This video was filmed almost 4 years ago. In that time, the aviation industry has changed and specifically the work conditions and seniority of my husband, who is now a captain at a major airline. Keep in mind that the beginning of an aviation career looks very different then the last decade which is where we are now (mandatory retirement age is currently 65 for major carriers). Having said that, everything about family life and coping with a spouse who travels is still 100% accurate and true of my own experience (which is all I can speak to with authority;). I hope you enjoy the video!

[TheHomeandGardenBuzz]

Great Video ! My boyfriend of 2 years is a Captain of over 30 years and everything you said was spot on. Glad I found your channel. I am over 50 and in the process of starting my first You Tube channel and still in the very overwhelmed stage. I have a professional career, and wanting to develop a You Tube channel or two to have built well by the time I retire. Became very inspired when watching a few of your videos---- thank you !

[kathrynhelm]

What a wonderful sharing experience Jen…thank you. My husband was a teacher and we ran into all sorts of “misconceptions “ about how cushy a teaching job was…HAHA! I love your channel and so thankful I found it. 🥰

[dawnturpin]

I totally understand the scheduling thing. One of my best friends is an overnight RN and her schedule is all over the place. I’ve even gotten the confused look when I tell someone I don’t know if I’m working Tuesday until 4pm Monday afternoon. I would love to hear Scott tell us all about being a pilot. I don’t know if it’s because I’m an airport nerd or what. One of the best things is watching the planes come in

[CoralJoyTravel]

What a GREAT idea for a video! I, too, would love to see Scott on the channel, but I absolutely understand if he can’t or doesn’t want to. Thank you so much Scott for working so hard to keep us safe in the air!!

[kellyprevosnik-day]

Sounds like our early family days .. my husband is a nurse. Every other weekend and every other holiday. And working nights. I wish I had known about the Santa having a special crew for families who work on Christmas. That’s so sweet I love it