Originally Posted by
FL370esq
I would say the RLL is both a bidding option and a contingency solely because you must select that condition in PBS in order for that contingency to be executed should the circumstances warrant.
For those who have stated they have tried for an RLL and not been awarded one, that isn't surprising. You would only be awarded one if:
1) You were above the published RLL number; and
2) You opted for the RLL condition in your PBS bid; and
3) Your last bid grouping had no restrictions (avoid, prefer off, etc); and
4) There were not enough trips remaining in the PBS pot to build you a line within the LCW.
It is number 4 that makes the RLL so elusive. If you have any seniority above the published RLL, there are likely enough trips in the pot to build you a line within the LCW if all of your negative preferences are removed. And yes, I suspect the remaining trips in the pot at that time are less than desirable and likely non-commutable on one or both ends.
I don't think your #3 is correct. The PBS Reference Handbook only mentions three restrictions:
1) The Set Condition bid preferences Maximum Credit or Minimum Credit may not be used in an RLL Bid Group
2) An RLL Bid Group must always be placed somewhere below an Unconditional Pairings Bid Group (one without ESN or CSSN)
3) An RLL Bid Group may be placed above or below a Reserve Bid Group
I believe the plain-jane "prefer off Saturdays" and "avoid landings in ATL" are allowed in the RLL bid group.