Originally Posted by
ThatChecks
Follow up question.
What does the quality of life situation look like for both reserve, global reserve, and line holders, in regards to actually being able to use the flight benefits? How difficult would it be for a junior FO to get an 8 or 9 day block off in a row to go non rev somewhere?
Not sure there's much difference here between AA/UA/DL
That said, splitting a block over two schedule periods defintely the easiest way to go.
8-9 days off as a reserve in one month is hard if not impossible because you then have to squeeze 16-18 days of 117 compliant work blocks into the rest of the month. Also leaves the rest of your schedule as a mess. If you live in base it might work, otherwise you won't see your spouse/kids/dogs for the whole months between work and exploring Thailand.
6-7 days would be vastly more doable. (South America is a great no-jet lag option for short trips).