When trying to pick up flying for next day reserve(aggressive reserve bidding) it's done by bucket then first in first out and seniority. I tried 3 out of 4 days this week and didn't get any flying till the end. It is nice to be able to bid on the flying as it has worked in the recent past for me it's just not a guarantee that you can pick it up every time. I have no idea about the transition though which sounds correct. I may need to look into that.
As for the contract..someone correct me here if wrong .. I thought it "could" be opened a year early which would mean this coming Jan 16. It must be opened in 2017. Am I missing something? Also I have heard that some people hired in 2013 are real close to upgrade so the new hiring may speed up that 5 yr timeline.
DW