Originally Posted by
Flypony
1) How long before I could realistically hold ORD as an FO on Reserve, and then how long to hold a line?
2) Since I will get EWR or SFO out of training, would it be better to commute to EWR or SFO to hold a line there quicker? Or start all over on reserve in ORD? Your opinion.
3) What is the difference between long and short call reserve?
4) How difficult is it to find a crash pad at EWR or SFO and what is the approximate cost?
5) Once I held a line if all I wanted was to have four days off in a row (those days M-F and not over holidays) a few times a year is that even possible to plan with some certainty before the 18th day of the previous month? If I bid my line to stay away from those four days?
There are tons of threads here that can help answer your questions if you just use the search function. Also, there was this thread just the other day:
How Long Till I Get to ORD
1. If hiring continues I'd say you could make it into ORD as a reserve inside of six months, possibly even out of training. Maybe a year later to get a line.
2. That really depends on your situation. I'd hazard that driving 2.5 hours to ORD reserve would be better than doing the drive then commuting to EWR for a line. You could make more money with an EWR line I suppose, but that is about the only plus to it.
3. Long Call = 12 hours to get to work. Short Call = 2.5 hours. Field Standby = Sitting at the airport. In your case, since you are about 2.5 hours from ORD Short Call would not be too bad a deal (and rarely is your showtime exactly 2.5 hours from notification). Field Standby would suck for you and you'd probably have to do it a few times a month.
4. Not difficult. I think I paid $300 a month for access to a nicer house sized pad.
5. Not difficult to do several times a year. Knowing prior to the 18th? Can't really know, but as your seniority improves you'll have a better sense of your chances.
6. 737 is probably your best bet. Don't know, but I think it is safe to say 6+ years unless you swing a sweet base trade.