What I get out of this is that there are about 11k of us all with different wants and needs and our contract allows most of us to achieve it in a way that works for us. There is no "typical schedule" at SWA just for this reason.

As for clearing your board, there are a lot more ways other than TTGA to achieve that with little seniority HP required. Overlap, net zero, elitt into turns and G/A, etc. I am able to clear about half of my flying every month and I don't work hard doing it. If you are willing to fly weekends, which I actually prefer, there is premium or great straight time flying available. If not, just about anyone can elitt a weekend schedule into a weekday schedule and enjoy that benefit as well. Even as a very senior FO, I never flew the line I bid.

These days, I prefer a little more time off than I used to. I love the flexibility of being able to tell my friends, family, and loved ones that I can get just about any day off with no issues to take that trip or grab lunch or whatever. I am not missing any of life's big events to come slave away at work. When I do come to work, though, I am here to make money and make a hasty escape. This month my dog blew out her ACL and needed urgent surgery. Not only am I able to work just one day extra to pay for it without dipping into savings, I am also able to take the whole next week off to be there and care for her.

So yeah, it may take a little extra work, I would estimate maybe a couple of hours a month, to manage your schedule, but that pays such a huge dividend, it's absolutely worth it.