Originally Posted by
flyingdutchman1
First of all, I’m not at either Alaska or Virgin, but I speak as a pilot. I think you view what pilots want incorrectly. You are assuming we bid an aircraft based on routes. I don’t know of many pilots that do that. Most pilots bid on where they want to be based. If a pilot lives in one of the domiciles then they will bid that base no matter what the routes are. If the pilot commutes then they will bid the base that allows for the best commute, not the route.
Erm, YMMV. I don't know what airline you fly for, but that's not universal.
A good number of SFO United 747 pilots displaced to SFO 777 so that they would be able to continue to go 'home' to their Asian 'wives'.
A good number of pilots bid the LAX/SFO 737 so that they can fly to the Hawaiian islands.
When the ORD 747 closed, a good number displaced to SFO 747.
I've known more than a few pilots that chase the flying.
Like you, I bid base first and everything else after that. But it's definitely not universal. And after base, I'd bid for the equipment flying transcons over short routes.
Originally Posted by
N19906
Commute vs. live in base?
I’m not sure you could build a schedule with such a strong contrast between different bases’ lines to make a person do that.
I know, nothing is impossible, but choosing to leave your home base to commute is a pretty extreme decision.
At least I like being married...
I know a few pilots who live in LA and bid SFO for better flying.