Originally Posted by
Brewster6616
First of all, I start my SWA pilot training this fall. I know NOTHING about the vacation time and bidding, except what I've read here. My longtime neighbor passed away and his widow wants us to visit her in Thailand when she moves back, preferably in my first year of employment. I'd love to put together 3 weeks to go out or at least give her a reasonable expectation of when we would be able. With international travel advance purchase timing and the bidding program, is there any way I could reasonably expect to do this?
Welcome to SWA. I’m sorry for your loss. You will get less than a week of vacation next year. Because it’s less than a week you won’t bid for it, scheduling will put it on your board.
I’d recommend going to visit in January-March 2024. You’ll have a full two weeks vacation. Mid January to February vacation is easy to get. You’ll be a line holder by then and be able to make more money on the trip pulls and more time off. The weather in Thailand is great that time of year.
Good luck