Ended up with the night off so I will try to answer the questions since my last post.

But first let me say that all of this could change. As indicated by Junglejett we do have a vote for or against representation starting next week. The NMB has found that Flight Options and Flexjet are a single carrier. Options is represented and we are not. Management has said if the vote is no then everybody keeps what they have etc etc. If the vote goes the other way then all of the pay and work rules are up for negotiation with a JCBA.

Now back to the questions.

Normally you stay in what ever fleet you are hired into until upgrade. That has not been 100% true but I would bet on it. Any movement from fleet to fleet by FOs is strictly to meet company needs. Fleet size changes etc. As far as upgrading, everyone goes to the small cabin when they first upgrade and then seniority moves captains to the larger AC. I don't know if they are even telling guys which fleet they are going to until indoc. You'll have to ask someone hired more recently.

Bidding. When bidding you request days on and days off. The system produces available lines with a these days on and those days off. You go in and say which is your first choice and second choice etc. The available choices can number in the hundreds. The system is seniority weighted. Junior guys may not always get one of there choices. Senior guys usually do. Not sure thats real clear. Let me know if not. Bidding is roughly a month out from the dates it covers.

I think the DO and CP are saying that they expect upgrades in about 2.5 years. Economics are what drives upgrades. Another slowdown like 2008 will put the breaks on that timeline. Who knows. There are some departures to the majors. Not a mass exodus but some. Starting pay is an issue at the majors. Long time Challenger captains can make 180K and its tough to make that jump to year one pay at the majors. Even long time FOs now newish Captains are making 130K and don't want to take the hit. All that may change with the election we have coming up.

Hope that helps.