Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include several days of work followed by some days off.

The "working hours" for a Delta pilot are calculated differently than a standard office job. On average, a Delta pilot flies between 75 and 85 flight hours per month. However, "flight hours" only count the time from when the aircraft pushes back from the gate until it arrives at the destination. When you include "duty time"—which encompasses pre-flight briefings, weather checks, security screenings, and sitting in the cockpit during delays—a pilot's total work month is closer to 150 to 180 hours. Delta pilots are typically guaranteed a "minimum" of 72 to 75 hours of pay per month, even if they fly less. A typical monthly schedule might consist of 12 to 15 days of work, often organized into "trips" lasting 1 to 4 days, followed by several days off. Senior captains often have more control over their schedules and may choose to fly more "high-value" international routes to maximize their pay, while junior first officers might work more domestic "legs" with shorter flight times but longer total duty days.