I know this probably is against the rules of engagement on this board , but what if everyone could contribute an idea for improving our open time system and discuss the merits? (Naw... It's much more fun wasting time typing messages back and forth complaining about everything

Our Open Time system has at least two major problems:

1) The monthly Open Time feeding frenzy on Thursday night

and

2) Inability to pick up open time trips without either using a bot or spending you life hunched over the keyboard.

Let's talk about solutions to the above:

1) On each monthly Open Time Thursday, a large percentage of the crew force is out there working and cannot participate in the initial Open Time frenzy at all. This huge hole needs to be plugged!! Totally UNSAT!!!

Some carriers allow the pilot group to look over the Open Time list and presubmit preferences (alot like secondary prefs) and process them in Seniority order before the feeding frenzy begins. Now to placate all the people that will jump up and shout "No more seniority based advantages thank you very much!", why not entertain the idea that the during the "First Pick" process, you would be limited in CH's or maybe number of trips picked up/traded or some combination of the above. Discuss your best ideas!!

2) Would it be appropriate to require most trips that go into general open time to remain for a period of hours, allowing the crew force to submit requests that are processed in seniority order, with similar restrictions as above (ie: once you have been "awarded" one seniority based selection, you can't use your seniority again that bid month). Of course, there are time limitations for trips that show very soon, etc.

Come on guys/girls - we can put our heads together and come up with alot of better ideas than what we're stuck using now!! Those of you that have the benefit of previous carrier experience, please chime in with the best from other outfits. Ask your buds at other carriers how they handel OT more fairly and effeciently.

I don't know about you, but I think depending on the latest, greatest computer to manage my work life and/or spending more time with my fingers on the keyboard is no way to go through life!

I'm just trying to offer some discussion points to improve the process. Let the spears fly......