I've been thinking about this, and I think I am starting to not care for it so much. Here's why: Let's say the VB opened is MCO. In the 7ER category, currently we are currently flying GRU from MCO in the NYC base. (and I cannot hold it currently so there is no bias it is just an example) . So if anybody in the 7ER category can bid it, then perhaps a SEA guy (and they are ALL senior out there) bids MCO for a winter month. So then the flying is taken from his base. First, what exactly does that mean? Secondly, big fat deal, because the formerly NYC trip is now being flown by someone from another base. But the flying is "taken" from SEA. What flying?

If the flying that goes to a virtual base that is taken from a base is open first of all to those pilots, and anybody that bids it from another base falls after them in the VB, then it might be OK, but that would be an abrogation of seniority. And then we all know what would happen; Every good trip would be suddenly in the ATL bid packages prior to the creation of VBs.

Since no base "owns" any flying, (as I have been told by the rotation construction committee) all that has happened is that trips that could formerly be held by a more junior pilot is now held by more senior guys that did not have that flying in their bid package before. And the added bonus is that NYC category would become more senior because those trips would be removed from their bid package.

All this being said, since we can pull it down it is worth a look.