At this point, I'm committed to the bus. Even if I tried bidding over I would be withheld and it would probably take longer to get to DFW. And once I finally get DFW, I won't mind short call reserve. As far as commutes go, DFW to LAX isn't bad, lots of flight on AA metal, I gain 2 hours going west and red eyes to get me home after a sequence. Also, LAX bus trips aren't terrible. A lot of red eyes but usually 1 or 2 legs per day.

 

Worth it for gaining a 28% jump in seniority.

 

Very few people get PBS lines with 1 leg per day.

 

I went with LGA737. I’m #4 out of 37. There were audible chuckles and a couple “wait, whaaa?” from the crowd. 😂

Anyway, the 737 sounds fun to fly, with fast progression to a good schedule. I only have ten years left. And I certainly don’t mind eating around a control column. NYC is a fun city and I look forward to spending some time there. At some point I’ll head to Miami and enjoy what it has to offer, and from what I gather the 737 flying outta there is very fun. Then maybe go to PHX for awhile and spend time in the Four Corners (I’m originally from Utah). I live on the road nowadays so I like to travel around based on the seasons.

Seems like regardless of the base or plane it’s an amazing job and a grand adventure. Looking forward to it!

 

I’ll add that of the five LGA vacancies, #2 picked the LGA320, but he lives in NYC so a no brainer. The next LGA spot to be picked up was by #33. So yeah, not a very desirable base. 😂

 

Disclaimer: Typed on both, and while I enjoy certain things about both airframes, they’re effectively a job and IDGAS about what I’m flying on balance. Balance is of course the key, and seniority in seat is my number one discriminator.

I fully acknowledge that the 737 is the junior airframe system wide. That being said, the logic gets flipped on its head in ORD. I’d be 70% in the 737 and I’m now (just this month, before it was ~equal) 40% in the 320. The 737 is both the incumbent and the far larger status. I’m sure it has better things going on for it from a schedule standpoint. All that being said, I’m glad I got stuck on the bus in my particular case. I had an entitlement for ORD 737 FO I while waiting for my seat lock to expire. Happy it didn’t work out before they announced the 320, despite the challenges that come with a small status.

 

Were you withheld from ORD 320 FO? Seems anyone trying to leave the 737 for ORD 320 is getting withheld to the maximum 12 months

 

It is a weird situation but it is not going to stay that way. The withhelds will start coming in above you and given time it will even out to match the rest of the 320 bid statuses, being more senior on both the FO and CA side. It already is much more senior on the CA side pretty much from when it opened up.

 

LGA airbus has a huge percentage of their trips being 1-1 transcon 2 days. So 14 days of work for around 83 hrs. No redeyes

 

If you live near JFK it is some of the best domestic flying. Only 102 passengers soon to be 155 when the XLR shows up which means less drama. The food is the best in the domestic system. It can get boring but the Hotels are good on either end. Very easy flying.

LGA based when commuting can be a real pain. Expensive transportation back and forth etc.. A very good base. Friendly young crews in general. So many new people with good attitudes. Enjoy the seniority. It will move pretty quick.