Originally Posted by
Sunvox
Both of you do not have all the facts...
As to the Bus vs. the 73 you are way off. Look at the System Schedule committees monthly reports. The line averages are essentially identical with minor variation month to month and base to base, but again reserves are heavily used in both fleets except for winter months.
Actually i do for NB. The Airbus in IAH and EWR, where new hires can get it, has a LPA of 72 on the latest 2 SSC reports, whereas just about every other narrow body seat is at 83.5 except the SFO 73FO at 76 and DEN 73CA at 73.
There is a lot more reserve FO flying on the 73 in IAH and EWR than on the bus. An issue if you want to APU.
Takeaway is if you want to have more days off, min pay, and get a line quickly, the Bus in IAH and EWR is pretty good. Can't get 73 in IAH but same seniority gets you an 83.5 hour line in EWR.
This may change after the summer. YMMV.