Originally Posted by
Whipper33
Hoping to get some insight on the QOL for 320 JFK FO. As we are currently bidding, I am looking at a possible transition from 190 FO to 320 FO, at or just after the one-year seat lock. I'll outline my scenario below to help with any comments.
As with anyone coming from a regional, I hope to get away from the multiple-legs a day northeast flying. Having looked through the bid packet, I see that the 190 JFK can get you out of the northeast a fair bit albeit still working multiple legs. So that in itself is welcoming news.
I do live in base, so there will not be any issues with commuting. So sitting reserve a little longer shouldn't be terrible. My main concern for the 320 is as we know the plane is significantly more senior. What is life like for a year 1/2 to 3 year FO in JFK? Are you successful in bidding days off? I know the red-eyes exist but they do seem to be blown out of proportion slightly... it shouldn't be every leg/trip (having read multiple threads/scrolling through bid packet). With that, I fully understand that someone has to be the junior person, so this is not complaining. Just trying to make my best guess since we are at least for now only given one time a year to bid. It's a little hard to make that assessment when you have even hit the line yet.
For all I know, the 190 could be best thing for my situation. I know $$$ is to be made on the 190 during bad weather, but I am also not a hustler. I enjoy my time off.
All that being considered, I would greatly appreciate any info/insight you guys may be able to offer.
First, don’t look at this annual bid as “I have to bid now, it’s only once a year”. It’s pure BS! They will be running supplemental bids as needed, trust me! This airline can’t plan more than a week out.
Each plane has it’s pros and cons, which have been discussed numerous times before. You just have to decide what is more important to you. You have an advantage of living in base, at a fairly large commuter base, so bidding commutable trips isn’t your first concern. You probably won’t be able to avoid red eyes completely after a year, but if you don’t mind early starts/late finishes, you can probably get some non redeye trips. Your seniority progression will probably be a lot quicker on the 190 for now, but again, you live in base and you don’t mind redeyes and dealing with fumes, then make the jump to the bus.