Real Life Marriage // Tips for High-Flying Love and Being Married to a Pilot

So, you’ve married a pilot—or perhaps you're considering it? Buckle up, because life with a pilot comes with its own unique set of challenges and adventures.

Between their unpredictable schedules, long absences, and slightly excessive love of aviation jargon, being married to a pilot can sometimes feel like you're in a relationship with someone who’s both grounded and flying at 30,000 feet. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make the whole thing soar smoothly.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the friendly skies (and the occasional turbulence) of being married to a pilot.

1. Embrace the “Pilot Lingo” (Even If You Don’t Understand It)

"Cleared for takeoff," "altitude," "runway," "cockpit"—oh my! If you’ve married a pilot, you’re bound to hear these words more than you ever thought possible. At first, it might feel like your spouse is speaking in code. “What’s the difference between a ‘flight plan’ and ‘route planning’?” you’ll wonder. But don’t fret. With time, you’ll start picking up on the jargon. Bonus points if you start using it in daily conversations (“Hey, could you pass the salt? I’m going to need it for this in-flight meal!”).

Top Tip: You don’t need to be an aviation expert, but being genuinely interested in their work and occasionally learning a few phrases will score you major relationship points. Plus, you can impress your friends at dinner parties when you casually drop terms like "jet lag" and "TCAS."

2. Learn to Love the Art of Solo Adventures

You knew this one going in—pilots are often away from home. A lot. While it can be tough when your spouse is jetting off to exotic locations, there are some serious perks to flying solo (and we don’t mean it in a lonely way!). You get to enjoy a quiet house, binge-watch shows they don’t like, and make spontaneous plans with friends or family without having to check their schedule. Heck, you might even start to appreciate the odd hours they keep because it means you get some peaceful alone time.

Top Tip: Take advantage of the free time to indulge in hobbies, treat yourself to self-care days, or travel solo! You can go on an adventure without worrying about seat assignments or packing for someone else’s trip.

3. Get Used to ‘Flight Delays’ (and Random Schedule Changes)

Air travel isn’t exactly known for its punctuality, and unfortunately, your pilot spouse’s schedule can be just as unpredictable. Whether it's weather, maintenance issues, or surprise layovers, you’ll often find yourself in a situation where their “estimated arrival time” turns into a game of “guess when they’ll get home.”

Top Tip: Embrace the uncertainty with a smile (or at least a sense of humour). Keep your calendar flexible, and remember that the flight may get delayed, but the love you have for each other is always on time. Plus, waiting can always be an opportunity to pamper yourself!

4. Prepare for the Dreaded "Jet Lag" Days

While your spouse might come home from a trip looking all "fresh and fabulous" (and likely brimming with fun travel stories), their internal clock is probably way off. Be prepared for some serious jet lag drama. If you’ve ever tried to have a conversation with someone who’s running on 4 hours of sleep from an 18-hour flight, you know it can feel like a scene from a zombie movie.

Top Tip: Don’t take it personally. It’s just the jet lag talking! Try to be understanding and give your pilot a little space to rest and adjust. After all, they’re probably just trying to recover from working 10-hour days with time zone confusion on top.

5. Pack a "Pilot’s Essentials" Bag for Them

Your spouse may be the one flying the plane, but you’re the one who’s going to be packing their bags—sometimes at the last minute. And let’s face it: pilots have some very specific packing needs (hello, uniforms, gadgets, and emergency snacks). Consider having a “pilot’s essentials” bag ready for them. You’ll make their day by ensuring they have everything they need—extra socks, favorite snacks, and maybe even a couple of entertainment options for the flight.

Top Tip: Don’t forget to sneak in a little love note or a small gift for them to discover mid-flight. It’s the perfect way to let them know you’re thinking of them even when they’re far away. Plus, it’ll make them smile on a tough day!

6. The "Pilot’s Schedule" Is a Moving Target

Your pilot’s work schedule will have more twists and turns than a roller coaster, and it may feel like their days off are as elusive as a unicorn. One minute, they’re home for a couple of days, and the next, they’re off to another city. However, this means you get to celebrate the surprise moments when they do have time off, which can feel like a mini holiday every time!

Top Tip: When they do have a day off, take full advantage! Plan something spontaneous and fun (even if it’s just a Netflix binge in sweatpants). The unpredictability of their schedule can make those off days feel extra special.

7. Get Good at Sleeping Alone (But Don’t Worry, It’s Temporary)

Let’s face it: when your spouse is off flying around the world, you're going to need to get used to a little solo sleep time. But here's the good news—you get the whole bed to yourself! You can stretch out, hog the covers, and maybe even snore without anyone giving you the side-eye.

Top Tip: If the empty bed gets too lonely, invest in some cozy sleep accessories—like a weighted blanket or some calming sleep sprays. You’ll feel cozy and comforted, even when your pilot is out flying above the clouds.

8. Be the Ultimate Support System (And Know When to ‘Ground’ Them)

Pilots deal with a lot of stress during their flights, from managing passenger safety to dealing with unforeseen flight issues. When they return home, being their emotional support can mean the world. Let them vent about the crazy passengers, bad weather, or near-miss situations. Just make sure to “ground” them a little too—remind them that they’re also a human being who needs rest, relaxation, and, most importantly, quality time with their loved ones.

Top Tip: Show appreciation for their hard work and stress levels, but also make sure they take time for self-care. You’re their rock, so make sure you’re both grounded, together.

Being married to a pilot is a unique adventure. From the constant travel to the changing schedules and a love for all things aviation, it’s a relationship that’s high-flying, to say the least. But with a little flexibility, a sense of humor, and a lot of love, you can make it work. You’re both pilots in your own way—one soaring through the sky and the other helping to navigate the adventure from home. And when you’re both together?

Well, that’s the best flight path of all.