Originally Posted by EMBFlyer

Because with our system, it give you the ability to plan ahead. You look at the flights and if the jumpseat is booked, you make alternate plans and take a different flight.

On the other hand, once you have the Primary, you know you're getting on that flight with about 99% certainty.

With your way, that 23 year old new hire, could be planning on taking the flight and actually have the jumpseat and the 30 year widebody Captain waltzes up and takes it from him, flashes a smug smile and says "Sorry." Now the 23 year old new hire is scrambling to get work.

In my scenario, both flights go out with their original crews because the 30 year widebody Captain has made alternate plans because he knew in advance he wouldn't make that flight.

In your scenario, the flight goes out late (depending on when the reserve guy can get there) or cancels due to lack of crew. The 23 year old loses pay because he has to invoke the commuter policy. He also could face disciplinary action because he didn't make it work, all because the 30 year widebody Captain was hired first.

It's not a smartphone app to check in, it's an 800 number you call. Also, in my limited 18 months, I've never seen every single flight book up right at midnight 7 days out. It's normally never that hard to reserve a jumpseat.