Originally Posted by
AR1978
Just wondering what life as a new hire at MDW would be like? Currently flying the yellow bus out of ORD and live in Chicago, so doing some research since applications to SW are now open.
What do you want to know?
We have about 55% 3 days, 20% 4 days, and a smattering of turns and 2 days. Schedules are generally split between an AM/PM/Red Eye split. Reserve is mainly 4 day blocks. They try to shoot for same start days when building lines, but they will do staggered lines (particularly with 3 day blocks of reserve). About 70% of pairings touch the weekend.
MDW has a healthy open time system both due to size and there are a lot of commuters which remove some of the competition for open time. You can also trade with the company and other pilots to adjust your schedule.
MDW can be held within a couple months of DOH, and it wouldn't surprise me to hold it out of training as the year goes on. It is generally only a couple months senior to the most junior Captain base.