Rawhide16

First, this is not a d!ck measuring contest between the 73 folks and the Airbus folks as to which airplane is better.

I'm curious as to the difference in schedules between the two. I realize it depends on seniority and domicile but looking for generalities leaning more toward the junior folk. Does one have less slash trips than the other? Does one have more commutable lines? Is one typically easier to drop/pick up trips?

From what I can tell from looking at the APA PBS Awards, the 73 seems to offer a slightly better schedule sooner with regard to line value, trip quality, and shorter timeline to line holder. I also realize that this doesn't tell the whole story.

My ultimate goal is to get to either ORD or CLT for long-term commutability as we are not willing to move to a base and I'm trying to determine the best path to take. I care more about QOL (max pay with max days off) over the flying destinations and the "fun" flying. At least for now.

Thanks!

Bob Loblaw

If you want ORD or CLT, your going to want the bus. As far as schedules go, the differ way too much from base to base. This year we take delivery of a bunch of 73s. Next year, a bunch of Airbus.

Rawhide16

Thanks Bob! Even though ORD doesn’t have any Airbii/Airbuseses? Or are you saying that the bus offers a better overall QOL than the 73/ORD?

Name User

They both have trips that cover multiple bases depending on the plane and base. Example LAX covers a bunch of airports on the 737 similar to NYC. The Airbus only starts/ends out of LAX.

But for now the Airbus in CLT and 737 in ORD only cover one airport but it's something you'd have to deal with when junior and not at your preferred base yet.

Keep in mind CLT is going to be forever senior. If you live there not a big deal but personally if I had a choice where to commute I would go to the junior base. I've been here four+ years and if I was still in CLT would be doing back to back red eyes...

EMBFlyer

In DFW, I've found the schedules to be much better on the 737. Fewer redeyes and fewer ODANS (all-nighter turns...although some are coming back). The trips seem to be more productive. From my perspective, the 737 has better seniority. All of the LUS pilots coming into DFW have wanted to stay on the Bus. I keep moving down it, but moving up on the 737.

aa73

There is no ORD/320 bid status as of now. Probably some time in the near future.

meyers9163

ORD doesn’t have many commuter friendly options. CLT by far has more flights, more random schedules, more pilots etc. ORD very senior pilots get the few commutable 4 days and 3 days there are. Seems in CLT there’s more options obviously. Many ORD pilots live near by and drive. Many early start and late finishes. Many real early starts and LGA DCA BOS turns to end a trip. Just a few thoughts on it since being in ord.

Rawhide16

Good stuff! Thanks everyone. Definitely a lot to think about.

Sliceback

You need to compare the trips at your seniority. That’s the great part of checking the 3XP’s since it allows you to see what you’d actual fly.

I’d consider bidding the 190 and get the quickest advancement to line bolder. The junior 190 trips/line holders I checked were frequently commuteable trips. Crazy. It gives you months to check the next bid x base 320 G’s 737) while you’re a line holder.

Rawhide16

I’m already on the 190 but I’m out on 6 months of mil leave. When I return I’m contractually able to bid to whatever my seniority will hold and was hoping to take this opportunity to switch rather than be withheld.