Deadheading can also include flying crew to and from their home base if their scheduled routes don't return them there. Pilots and flight attendants are considered to be on duty when they're deadheading and are usually given their full pay, even though they don't have to actively work on the flight.

Yes, in 2026, most commercial airline pilots are paid for "deadheading," which is when the airline flies them as a passenger to a different city so they can start a shift or return home after one. While they aren't "operating" the controls, they are considered on duty. Pay structures vary by airline contract; many major carriers pay pilots 100% of their hourly flight rate for deadhead time, while others might pay a slightly reduced rate (e.g., 50% or 75%) or a flat "positioning fee." For example, as of early 2026, airlines like IndiGo and Republic Airways have updated their policies to offer more competitive deadhead payouts to retain staff during global pilot shortages. Beyond the base pay, deadheading pilots also typically receive "per diem" allowances for meals and travel expenses. It is a common misconception that this is "free time"; because deadheading counts toward a pilot's legal "Duty Period" limits set by aviation authorities, it directly impacts how many hours they can legally fly later that day.