Originally Posted by Ravenwing

Minimum guarantee for a line holder is 72 hours, reserve is 75 hours. ALPA says the average line value for August in the different bases is:

DFW 69:57 hrs
ORD 73:15 hrs
MIA 69:25 hrs
PHX 70:21 hrs

There is an automated system for viewing and picking up overtime. The best trips go quickly. There is usually something available but it may not work for your availability, day trips go fast and 4-day trips get picked apart slowly. You must adhere to FAA legality requirements such as 30 hours off in a 7-day period and a minimum of 10 hours off between duty periods.

Last minute OT can be obtained by calling crew scheduling and can also be appropriated from reserves on your day off. The system will not let you bring yourself below 8 days off for the month. Pilots who live in base find it easier to pick up overtime than commuters do. DFW and ORD have the most open flying but the best trips go quickly.