Originally Posted by Flyby1206

If JB is given a bucket that can hold 5lbs of poop then they will always try to put 10lbs in. Give them a 10lb bucket and they will try to put 20lbs in.

We staff the airline for blue sky days in September. Understaffing beyond that is part of the plan. Paying millions of dollars in VDA/RSA is the plan. They (or any airline really) will never staff the airline for levels associated with peak summer schedules all year round. It is more cost effective to pay overtime vs hiring new employees (cost of training, benefits, etc). I have never met an airline pilot anywhere who says "You know, staffing is looking great for the 4th of July. I might drop my trip"