Yes, VBD md80 is probably the norm for new hires going forward. As more senior md pilots transition or upgrade to the Airbus.

 

The majority of guys who got VBD in the last few classes wanted it, and can bid out if they want to before training is done.

 

Wasn't the last class 9/10 VBD? Are you saying they all wanted it but 1?

 

What is VBD?

 

VBD is Allegiant management code for virtual base(ing), in lieu of actually being assigned a base. This came about as a way to categorize what had become a never ending need to place pilots wherever they are needed. Since Allegiant has the least pilots per aircraft for any national/major airline, this was their answer to constant complaints of continual TDY by some of the most junior pilots from selected bases.

Allegiant management rolled out this turd without consulting the pilots union. Like everything else, they do what they want, when they feel like it without any input from the pilots. They first nicknamed it “HOM”, for homebasing. We called it the homeless base, which is an accurate description. You get randomly assigned a base every 30 days or so. One way dead-head the first of the month and the end of the month, from your place of residence. Keep in mind there could also be a seamless transition of days back to back of work, rendering you out of luck, and unable to go home.

Your schedule will most likely consist of a grand total of 10 days off, completely unsymmetrical making the month impossible to commute.

 

That sounds horrible! Then again, some may enjoy seeing the country. Do they at least put you guys up at each base they send you to?

 

Mostly second rate hotels; Holiday Inn types, a fridge if you're lucky. Which isn't a big deal considering at $1.00Hr. per diem, a couple big-mac orders will be all you can afford anyhow. Makes for good eats on Thanksgiving.

 

Been at Allegiant for about a year. I've never been TDY'd or had a scheduled overnight. Hotels for training are top notch. Mini kitchens and some hotels even have free breakfast, dinner and beer. First year pay sucks. It's not as bad here as some keyboard warriors make it out to be. It's way better in many ways than my old regional. It's worse in a few ways too. Overall big quality of life improvement for me in the long run.

That is just my two cents.

 

Just for clarification, in the VBD you're not randomly selected a base. You bid on what's available and get awarded what you can hold based on your seniority. For November, as example, there are 5 bases VBD captains could have bid on.

Once assigned a base for the month you bid with your global seniority. Which could be good or bad, depends on where you sit. I have 14 days off this month and will be home every week.

I'm not a VBD apologist but it has been both really good and really bad for me in the VBD. Just trying to keep the facts straight.

 

It's also not a bad deal for a single person who doesn't want to pay rent at some random base while they wait for a vacancy in their desired base.