purple1day

I never really do hotel standby. Does scheduling ever release you early. I am looking to head out about a half an hour early from my scheduled time off to catch a ride home. Thanks.

MX727

Do you mean leave the hotel 30 minutes early or get on the jet 30 minutes early? If all you need is to leave the hotel, give them your cell phone number.

Most of my hotel STBY experience was in LAX and OAK, with a couple of stints in MEM.

If I actually need to be on an airplane prior to the end of the STBY, I give them a call as close to the end of the period as I can. I've had it go both ways.

Also, I let the rest of my crew know what I'm doing and let them know my cell number. Just realize you will have to foot the cab from the terminal to the ramp.

Finally, I have been called to the ramp in the final 20 minutes of my STBY. Sucks.

purple1day

I just need to leave the hotel 30 minutes early to get to the train staion on time. The train doesn't actually leave until 30 minutes after the period ends. Thank for the advice, I'll make sure they have my cell.

FrankTheTank

Agree w/MX... I tell them that I will be out and about on my cell phone (gym, lunch, whatever..). I wouldn't be on that train, plane or automobile with the door closed until 1 second after the stby ends.. I have heard of folks being released early but it is the same like trying to get released early on your last R day... Beg and then just maybe..NOT!

hyperone

purple1day, I've had limited success getting Scheds to release me early from numerous OAK hotel stby's over the years, but it has happened. I usually drive to the hotel and like to get on the road as soon as I can on the last day of the stby pairing. To protect myself against a last minute (literally) assignment, I usually leave the hotel 45 minutes prior to the end of my last stby period. This allows me time to still reach the ramp in time to be able to get airborne within 1:30 after getting called by Scheds at the last minute they can notify you of an assignment, which is 30 minutes prior to the end of the stby period (assuming they won't assign a jumpseat deadhead during your last duty period, which has happened). Keep in mind that the following sections of the CBA apply:

Chap.12.B. Duty Period Limitations
1. Duty periods begin and terminate as follows:
a. When the first activity in a duty period is flight deck duty, that duty period shall begin with a showtime 1 hour before the scheduled block-out or actual check-in time, whichever is later.

Chap.12B.3.b. Base Hotel Standby
i. A base hotel standby period shall not exceed 11:30 hours.
ii. A base hotel standby pilot may only be assigned duty commencing during the standby period...
iii. A base hotel standby pilot shall be notified of an assignment at least 1:30 prior to scheduled block out, unless the first leg of the assignment is deadhead by chartered aircraft or Company jumpseat, in which case the notification shall occur at least 45 minutes prior to scheduled block out.
iv. If assigned a trip, a base hotel standby pilot's duty period shall begin at the showtime for that trip.

So, as long as you:
1. Keep in mind, Scheds has to notify you at least 30 minutes prior to the end of your stby period for an assignment.
2. Tell Scheds you will be on your cell phone, and not in the room (no need to elaborate on why).
3. Keep your cell phone turned on.
4. Let the rest of the crew know what you're doing so they aren't waiting on you with the cab or hotel van.
5. And you can still reach the ramp in time to be airborne within 1:30 of getting called, then you should be O.K.