Going into each month, the company stipulates minimum number of reserves for each day of the month. We can view this on a calendar that shows this minimum number and the actual number of reserves each day.

If the actual number of reserve pilots is equal to or greater than the minimum, the day is green.

If the number of reserves is less than the minimum, it is red.

If a line holder has a trip they do not wish to fly, and each day of that trip is “green” on the calendar, you can drop the trip into open time up to noon two days prior. You can do this with as many trips as you like.

Other line pilots can pick these up or swap up to noon two days prior, otherwise reserve pilots cover it. Reserve pilots cannot pick up open time.

After schedules are awarded, there is an initial open time bid where pilots can drop (or swap or pick up) which goes in straight seniority order.

Once daily open time is opened, drops (or swaps/pick ups) are first come, first served.

The grid can fluctuate through the month as open time is picked up or dropped, however the contract stipulates at least 75% of the month must start as “green”.

*if dropping puts you below the 72 guarantee credit, you make the credit of what you fly. If you drop to zero, you make nothing, essentially a month of OFF days.