Originally Posted by
WindWalker999
Out of curiosity, from the sounds of the discussions here it sounds like LAX and SFO are junior bases. What makes them so, and what are trips like out of those places (as in average number of days, percent of red-eyes etc) and is there any provision to "satellite base" out of LGB / SNA / SMF etc?
The vacancy bid "wait-list" is longest for ANC and PDX, they're the smallest based and have a bunch of FOs and Captains commuting until they can get back home. SEA is the easiest commute for both of those locations so for those waiting they bid for SEA next. Big population of pilots live in PNW so they want SEA. Commuters from other locations take SEA because it has the most flights. That leaves SFO and LAX. Trick with SFO is that it's a tough commute and anyone who lives there has the United option. So SFO is at the bottom of the wish list unless someone lives there, but then there are other options to consider.
My two cents.