Originally Posted by
USNFDX
Not Really,
Guys bidding about 90-92 % can hold a block of 15 RA days but no lines and bottom VTOs. They can probably get a training period somwhere in that block with a real nice 0500 show.
Granted this is an extreme example, but it runs the spectrum. At my relative seniority (70%) I can usually get a line with a Good trip, and Not so good trip. I nuke the bad one with recurrent , and then try an add a good one on either side of my training and limit my commutes. Or maybe I bid the block of RA and "Cherry pick" The HNL-SYD-SFS trip.
Yes, under the old system, You could "protect min days off" and get your substitution and retain your exact BLG. Training pay is now 4+30. So yes, if you do nothing you will lose 3CH or more, than under the old system. But your training and substitution where at the whim of futures. Training could be scheduled anytime other than vacation.
I'm not saying it's perfect, but it does have some advantages.
OK, I'll buy that it works for some people. But my big concern is that nothing fits into your new schedule and you can't pick up those hours. Can you add R-Days back to your line? Seems like a way for the company to drop R-days that they don't think they'll use you(because the string was broken up by training), and not pay you for them.