Originally Posted by
Westcoastpilot5
Have a class date coming up, and I'm interested in QOL of 777 reserve vs NB lineholder in SFO.
I live less than an hour from the airport and at previous airlines really don't mind sitting reserve if the utilization is low. Usually I'd prefer more days at home (whether they are scheduled, or on reserve but not getting called into work). I see that 777 SFO tends to go very junior in class drops which I assume is due to most people commuting to 18 days of global reserve to SFO for a lengthy amount of time before getting a base transfer.
Whatever I choose I'd like to stay on for a bit since I'm not interested in going back to training. I know the conservative/ historic advise would be to take the NB slot and enjoy the seniority ride....but any opinions for a Local SFO guy who wants QOL and days off (scheduled or non-utilized on reserve?). I always hear how good of QOL the wide body flying is - but wondering if that's only at a senior level. Sorry in advance if this type of question has already been answered but I usually see the advise geared towards guys commuting to SFO from other areas of the country, rather than for a local like myself.
As a local there's not too much risk to bidding WB as a new hire. However, those who think they'll spend two years fresh out of TK commuting to a line might be in for some bad surprises. This is a very unstable time for long haul flying.
IF Russian overflight returns, there will be significant reshuffling of WB assets. Pilots who are getting lines on the SFO 777 a few months out of indoc might soon find themselves commuting to reserve until they bid off. Past performance does not guarantee future results.