Preference Bid:

Where did you put SF3 CA in relation to your current position?

In normal times, the pref bid will only go upwards from where you are NOW.

If you are a DTW SF3 FO, and this is, for example, number 7 on your bid, you will not ever get placed in any position lower than DTW SF3 FO. If MEM SF3 FO is lower (8,9,10, etc...), you will never get sent there (unless the company shrinks), If MSP SF3 FO is higher, you will get moved to MSP as soon as a spot opens and your seniority holds it.

If SF3 CA is ANY number higher up than your current position you should automatically get that position when your seniority holds it. It does not matter if CR9 CA is even higher. I would guess that lots of SF3 Captains have CR9 CA ranked higher on their pref bid. They have not been awarded CR9 CA yet because their seniority won't hold it, or they are seat locked. Every time a vacancy comes out, every pilot will be awarded the highest position on the pref bid which their seniority will hold (taking seat locks into consideration). That's why planning always reminds pilots to verify their pref bids, and make sure it reflects their wishes.

So, if you have Saab Captain anywhere higher up on your pref bid than your current position, and you meet ATP mins, and selected "I meet ATP mins" on the pref bid, you should have been awarded Saab Captain if people junior to you were awarded it.