Originally Posted by Tom a Hawk

We have PTO sellback because the company wants it. Pilots doing It are incentivized to save their PTO to get above 100(i.e. work a lot, don't take vacay, don't call in sick) and then further incentivized to keep working a full load without using PTO so they can sell back. So the company gets a pilot who works a lot of hours over a several year time frame by paying premium on some sell back hours. It's a good system, it works well for many parties I think, but with changes to pay rates or PTO accrual the company or alpa may want to take a look at it to adjust the numbers somewhat. I don't think it's something they plan to get rid of because it's a mistake.

Vacation periods are also incentivized similarly because it helps the company plan known absences and gets junior people to use their PTO in slow months. 24.5 burn for 35 earn is a good deal.

Yes I'd like more PTO accrual, a more even distribution of vacation weeks through the year, and round bidding for them. I think the current system is very flexible and works for a lot of people and could work better for everyone with a few changes.