Originally Posted by
Dustycrophopper
Trying to understand the percentage bid thing more.... I understand it on the fo side but wouldn't it be more safe for someone considering an upgrade? If someone didn't want to be the plug on lax 717a for example and they were currently an first officer, wouldn't putting something like 85-90 be more safe than just rolling the dice? Same thing for the 330 and 350
I'll take a stab at this...
The last move I made, I bid 65% which meant I didn't get the award the on the first AE with that qualifier. My choice was to stay in my position or be senior enough to stay a line holder with a cushion to stay there through the flux. I looked at the bid awards of the guys around my seniority and decided that was the level I wanted to be at for schedule and have an adequate cushion (IMO) from reserve.
The percentage is only accurate for that bid result. All bets are off once the bid is published. Guys could retire, bypass, become instructors etc. The next bid could push you up or down with conversions in and out.
Ex.
90% is top 90%, or not below bottom 10%.
15% is the top 15%, or senior to 85%.
Line holder refers to the line holder estimate of the company. This changes with ALV each month, flying increases or decreases, reserve staffing and bid run tweaks. It doesn't guarantee a line. My opinion is if you want a relative seniority, percentage works best. Find the guy you would be just senior to in the category and use that as a reference. With that said, this is a HUGE bid and categories could change drastically. If you can't hold it currently you are stabbing in the dark. Percentage bid at least gives you some control. If you're shooting for the moon and don't mind being the plug or just want the highest paying position you can hold regardless of relative seniority, then just use the straight bid.
Good luck.