Originally Posted by
KnownTraveler
If you're a new hire, but an old guy (48) how do you navigate the initial bid?
My case:
48 years old (17 years left)
Live close to MCO (will always commute from there)
8xxx series SSN - so I think that helps bidding initially
Goal: Maximize income over 17 years, while minimizing commutes (1-2 trips per month [even if they're longer] is better than 3-4 trips per month).
I hear 73, 7ER, 765 are now doable bids as a new hire. I have no idea what life is actually like on any of those.
ATL seems like the obvious choice commuting from MCO. But is it?
I have a dream: Be gone 10-12 days per month - make captain pay within 5-6 years. Don't care about weekends, red-eyes, etc. (no kids at home). Biggest thing is fewer trips. Length of trips, not an issue. I'd rather do 12 days on, 20 off. Instead of 3 on, 5 off. Don't know if that's even a thing at DAL.
Am I dreaming too big? What bids make the most sense for that? Reminder: only 17 years before I'm out.
Any thoughts would help - even if you just want to make fun of me - witty jokes welcome.
Thanks.
hi again, if you want to maximize time in MCO I would avoid the 765, because you will likely be on reserve for awhile and that is 16-18 days a month.
based on what you have said NYC7ER would probably be my top choice as it offers a large variety in flying/ trip lengths and should offer the best balance of pay/ seniority progression/ longer trips. Added perk is for the last several years, the ER has done the lions share of MCO flying (which translates to overnights at home) but this part is subject to change at marketing whims.
Atl makes the most sense geographically but is one of our most senior bases, you will likely not have the schedule flexibility to drop down to 10-12 days a month for quite awhile there vs NY will probably give you more flexibility sooner.
right now we don’t have trips longer than 5 days outside of the WB flying (which is senior)
5-6 years from now you will probably be able to hold a comfortable schedule maybe only working 11-13 days a month. You also will probably be able to hold CA, at least in NY, but I would bet you will not be able to do both.
an average line here is built 12-16 days a month. To reliably be on the lower end of that spectrum you will need some seniority which you would not have if you chase upgrade.