Introduction
Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) work arrangements are a common practice in various industries, especially in remote areas where commuting daily isn’t feasible. Understanding who pays for the flights in a FIFO arrangement is crucial for anyone considering this type of employment. In this article, we will explore the typical responsibilities regarding flight payments and what workers can expect.
From my personal experience, during my years as a FIFO worker, I only ever paid for my own flight on one occasion. This was due to my own mistake of missing my pre-booked flight, I learnt to always double check my alarm was set right after that.
Flight Costs Associated to FIFO Work
One of the most common questions among prospective FIFO workers is whether their employer will cover the cost of flights. Generally, the answer is yes—most companies that employ FIFO workers include flight costs as part of the employment package. This is especially true in industries like mining, oil and gas, and large-scale construction projects, where attracting and retaining a skilled workforce is crucial.
Employer Responsibilities
Many employers recognize that paying for flights is an essential part of making FIFO roles attractive and feasible for workers. By covering these costs, companies can ensure they have a reliable and consistent workforce, which is critical for maintaining operations in remote locations. Employer-paid flights often include:
- Flights to and from the work site at the beginning and end of each roster
- Accommodation and sometimes meals during the work period
- Arrangements for flights from a major city hub to the work location
Worker Responsibilities
While the majority of FIFO workers have their flights paid for by their employers, there are situations where workers might need to cover the costs themselves. This can happen if:
- The worker chooses to fly from a different location than the one specified by the employer
- The worker misses a pre-booked flight due to personal reasons, such as oversleeping or arriving late at the airport
- The worker opts to take additional personal flights not covered by the employer’s policy
For example, during my years as a FIFO worker, I only paid for my own flight once. This was due to my own mistake of missing my pre-booked flight, which was not the employer’s responsibility to cover. During busy times employers become more flexable and will in most cases cover your flight if you miss an earlier one.
Be careful not to make a habit of missing flights as rest assured your name will be clearly at the top of the chopping list when work goes quite.
Reviewing Employment Contracts
It’s essential for workers to thoroughly review their employment contracts and any associated policies to understand who is responsible for flight costs. If the contract states that the employer covers flights, this should be clearly outlined, including any conditions or exceptions. Workers should also clarify any uncertainties with their HR department or recruiter to avoid unexpected expenses.
Understanding the typical practices and potential exceptions can help workers make informed decisions and avoid surprises regarding flight costs in FIFO arrangements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding who pays for flights in a FIFO arrangement is crucial. Most FIFO workers have their flights covered by employers, especially in industries like mining and oil and gas. These companies often pay for flights to and from the work site, accommodation, and sometimes meals.
However, there are exceptions. Workers might need to cover costs if they choose a different departure location, miss a pre-booked flight, or opt for additional personal flights. During my FIFO years, I only paid for a flight once due to missing it, learning the importance of setting my alarm correctly.
Always review employment contracts thoroughly to understand flight payment responsibilities and clarify any uncertainties with HR or recruiters. This helps avoid unexpected expenses and ensures a smoother FIFO experience.