Hi all! First time poster here, I apologize for the long post but I want to include as many details as I can. I'm looking for some advice on three questions.

Scenario: I am employed by the US government overseas for a 1 year contract, and my wife (mexican citizen) is an international student (F Visa) in the US. I have been earning wages from this overseas job since early November (I have not paid any into taxes from that). She is employed by the school with earnings last year of ~12000 (~1500 in taxes paid). I was employed by the US Army last year (~40000 in wages, not sure on how much I paid for taxes yet) all year up until October. We have been married since April.

My first question is, when should I file? I ask because between nov'12 and nov'13 this job will pay ~$130k. I understand $95.5k is tax exempt. I also understand I have to work outside of the US for 335 out of 365 days in order to get that exemption. Does that mean I should file an extension until I get back? Or if I file now for wages earned in my Army job + November-December, how will that affect what income I will be taxed on, this tax season and next tax season?

My second question is, if I should file now, should I file Married Joint or Seperate?

My final question is, if I have to pay for my own plane tickets to go on a vacation, flying out of the middle east, would those be deductible?

Thank you very much for your advice!