Originally Posted by
CloudPilot57
What is the difference between else start next and clear schedule start next? And what is next bid group? Can I do 'start pairings', some request here, then some request with else start next, and then another 'start pairings'? Is that second 'start pairings' a new bid group or will it only go to reserve?
PBS will always try to build you a line, unless you specifically request reserve.
ESN and CSSN force PBS to jump to the next BID group if your criteria are not met.
*ESN= ELSE START NEXT bid group. I basically and literally tell PBS to try to award me ALL of MY LINE REQUEST or start over by jumping into the next group. I use it for requesting a series of days off. If I can not get all those days off on a regular line, then my chances might be greater on Reserve.
ex. Prefer off Dec 19-30, else start next
I need the 19th to the 30th off. I would like a line but If PBS can not get me ALL those days off on a line, it will jump to my next bid group, which I would have had as Reserve.
*CSSN=CLEAR SCHEDULE AND START NEXT. Basically, in my bidding strategy, this is the same as ESN but I use it for the whole bid group. If I feel like flying certain pairings or layovers, I ask for it. Remember PBS will always try to build you a line if it can, no matter what. I do not want PBS to saturate my line with "filler' junk trips, so I basically put down CSSN, to assure myself that I want my schedule to be developed with these certain trips or jump to the next bid group, which might be reserve or another Line bid group.
Start Pairings
Award Layover in ORD
Award Layover in JFK
Award Layover in JAX
Clear Schedule and Start Next
Award Pairings
I want my schedule to built with ORD, JFK, JAX (ORD with most preference). If PBS goes down line by line, it will try to give me my choices. At the end, if there is no CSSN, PBS will move back upwards and try to build you a line with leftover, maybe undesirable trips. PBS will try to get you a schedule. But since I inserted a CSSN and PBS was not able to give me any of my requests, PBS will be forced to jump to the next Bid group. CSSN literally means, Clear that bid group and jump over to the next.
There are many ways to skin the cat. This has worked for me for years. Its best you look at how others are bidding in your base. Experiment and do call the PBS help desk. Remember, PBS will try to always build you a line and PBS is doing what you ask it to do, line by line.
TEN