Originally Posted by
Lewbronski
As a senior, bypassing 12-yr (or more) FO flying mostly premium trips, you can make as much or more than a 12-yr (or more) CA who isn’t that senior without flying many, or possibly any, additional days. And you have a better schedule comprised mostly of turns, 2-days, and 3-days (if you desire). A juniorish, bottom half CA will probably be stuck with at least one 4-day per month and almost definitely, mostly 3-days. That all assumes the CA isn’t really able to get much or any premium. Tournament playing cartel members are a different matter.
This is a big reason why people bypass. I don't think a lot of folks get this. If there is at least a moderate amount of premium flying available, you can make captain money with your senior FO schedule and vacation.
The premium train we have been on for the last year or so is bound to end once we hire ourselves out of it or the economy tanks. One or the other is definitely going to happen.