Open time trips are trips that are not assigned to a specific pilot. That is because the original pilot dropped it for vacation, military leave, called in sick, droped it for some more time off, or just traded it for another trip. The company also leaves some trips in the open time pool to "prime the pump" or because the trips are "disputed and can not be involuntarily assigned.

Why? It allows pilots to improve their schedule, make up for lost time, or fly extra this month.

The amount of open time does very by month, day of the week, and seat.

Very few limitations or restriction for use. No prohibitions as that could be construed as an illegal job action. As matter of the fact the union is afraid to come out and say that flying extra is wrong with people currently taking pay cuts.

Contentious now because the company says we are over manned and is threatening furloughs. Flying extra helps the company support that position. I don't think anyone objects to trading with open time to pick up a better trip as long as you keep your trade some what balanced.