Originally Posted by Punkah Louvre

We use a tool called FLICA to manage our schedules after they're awarded. The initial bids are made in Airbus NavBlue PBS (Preferential bidding System)

Open Time is unassigned flying. Contractually there must be something left over after the awards (schedules) are published. IIRC it's 5%.
If a pilot can legally and contractually operate a particular unassigned trip FLICA allows you to add that trip to your schedule at your normal pay rate. Everything over 82h credit is paid at 125% of your rate.
Drops are the opposite. You can 'sell back' a trip to the company with a few constraints.

The same tool allows you to Swap one trip for another; for (say) better commutability, more money or an overnight you want. Seniority does not apply; it's first come, first served.
Many people have alerts set up for specific criteria; if Crew Scheduling posts a 2 day 14 hour trip in ORD for example, you'll get a text or email.

Premium is the same; except it's more urgent. The company really needs someone to fly the trip. Crew Scheduling will asign some additional Credit -pay to a trip; we have a minimum of 5h; so a 5h trip may be boosted to 7 hours. In addition, any trip flagged as Premium credits 150% of that value. If you're already crediting over 82h hours; take that number and multiply to by 125%!

Scheduling & Bidding in the 121 world is all important. You'll get some training in class on how to use the tools; and assigned a mentor in training to help you.
it's not unusual to create a schedule thats very different than the one originally awarded. Our schedule flexibility is excellent compared to most airlines.
Theres some great union resources to help you with bidding, and the folks you fly with are a great source of information..

I'd also add that the flying in OT is one mans' treasure and another's trash. A golden rule in 121 is to bid for what you want. I just swapped a day trip for a 3 day that paid only 50% more. -a bad deal for some; but if gave me 30 hours within a 20 minute subway ride from home. Others may love an 8hr Denver redeye ......

//PL