Originally Posted by
capt_zman
It looks like I'd be able to hold a single DH line (either front end or back end), which means probably 1 trip to ANC and 2 home or vice versa.
Not sure if this is what you're figuring or not, but.....
If you're counting on using the deviation $$$ from ONE deadhead you have that month - to cover your whole month of commuting tickets....think again.
Holding a single DH line (front or back) doesn't mean you can get where you need to get to/from with the deviation bank you'll have for that DH.
Lots of times the deviation ticket costs same or more than the scheduled DH (bank) just to position to/from the trip. (very few, less than 10? back-end DH's by the way in the whole bid pack)
Not to mention - the only DH's in ANC are for RFO (with rare exceptions). Regular FO trips only have mid-trip DH's that are nearly impossible to deviate on - that's just a side note.
Example - DH from ANC to CDG via ORD is a common ANC DH (for an RFO). Usually, the first leg is either on AA or AS to ORD with a bank = only $400 or so - then you still have to get to CDG from where ever you're starting from - not many jumpseats to CDG (for example) - so basically, you have a $400 deviation bank which will buy you about one 1-way ticket to ANC for that month (if that)
Then, as you say, you're still stuck with getting yourself home from ANC at the end of that trip, and then if you're lucky (senior enough) only have to get up and back one more time during the month.
Typically, you'll be doing at least 3 trips per month if not 4 and only one of these will have a small deviation bank that you might be able to take advantage of. Plus, as others have said 2 to 3 (sometimes 4) days between short (10 - 20 CH +/-) trips for the month.
Of course, it all depends on where you live and where you're starting/ending your deviation DH from.
All that to say this - if you're thinking that holding an ANC FO line with one (front or back-end) DH will cover all your commuting expenses for the month - think again.
It ain't like buying a deviation ticket from somewhere stateside to somewhere stateside to either be in position or get home at the end.
(and only about the top 40 - 50% guys hold those 2 departure lines anyway)
As always, individual mileage may vary......