Originally Posted by
Joeldar
I thought I was told post SLI, any of the combined bases were possible.
That is correct.
But realistically a new hire can expect to be assigned to a base where
unfilled vacancies exist as a result of the most recent equipment bid(s). FWIW, at sCAL and sUAL the current unfilled vacancies are in NY (EWR or JFK) and IAH for both divisions. Once the SLI is complete there is no reason to expect that to change since it is the same on both "sides" as every pre-SLI pilot that wants NY or IAH is already there. Thus, IAH or NY is the most realistic expectation for a new hire with perhaps a few other bases sprinkled here and there.
That said, there's no contractual equipment bid freeze that prohibits a base change on the same equipment when one can hold it (i.e. a "lateral" bid). Example: a new-hire is awarded 737 IAH but can subsequently be awarded SFO or ORD three months later during a vacancy bid if they can hold it.