Speed to a line depends, but with the hiring going on, I’d say months. I spent a year on reserve when hiring took a 6-9 month pause after I got hired (Mar 2017), but that was exceptional those days.

Junior trips are heavily dependent on where you live. Being able to drive to work on the most junior plane at the most junior base is the best thing you could ever do for yourself. By 65% seniority I was getting the days off I wanted or the trips I wanted, now at 30%, I pretty well get what I want when I want. The trip packet is heavily weighted to four day trips, some redeyes, I think when I hit about 50% I was able to avoid them if I wanted. Something like 75% of this base commutes, so driving to work is such an advantage.

Trading and drops are hit and miss. Mostly misses right now.

No idea about the Bus, but looking at their bid packet, it doesn’t appeal to me. Much more regional type flying, four leg days (never done one on the 737), doesn’t do Hawaii. I hear it’s a nice plane, though.

Commuters from HMB and Santa Cruz for sure. Do it and don’t look back. DM if you want.