First time going through an IQ from my initial aircraft...some bidding questions based on my PWA/forum reading.

I start IQ on Feb 5th, runs through end of Feb, PBS has my pro-rated credit at 65:25. PBS has the lower LCW at 70:30 for my current category.

Questions:
1) Since I知 5 hours short of the LCW, I need to bid for the first 5 days of the bid period?
2) Any reason/benefit to bid a line vs. reserve?
3) I壇 prefer to have those first 5 days off, and I do have the optional 2 days off per the contract - so I知 really on the hook for the first 3 days...could I bid reserve and request x-days?

I知 perplexed/surprised that my PBS calendar is full from the 5th onward - yet my PWA interpretation is that I need to bid/work...am I missing something?

Thanks for the help!

 

Don't ask your United buds what that training would pay and credit...

Sorry I can't answer the question.

 

You're short of the LCW so yes, you'll need to bid for something. If you're above the RLL LIM, you could attempt to bid a RLL but just remember you have to have a bid group above that with no "else start next" or "clear schedule start next." If not, you'll likely get a trip in those three days or some reserve days. Line or reserve is simply your preference.

Like Ted eluded...our training language needs some SERIOUS work. Sure you can actually end up with a lucrative month if you're lucky, but I'd rather have a guarantee.

 

If you bid reserve I believe you would only get the X-days specified in the X-Day Proration Table in the bid package (or PWA 12N or PBS bid info screen). With 5 days available it looks like only 2 X-days will be due, and I suppose they'd be placed in front of IQ since you elected that option. So I think you'd be stuck with reserve on the first 3 days. However, is your category ATLM88B? That's the only category I saw with that exact Low LCW and the bid package table shows that category gets an extra X-day next bid period. That would get you down to just two reserve days.

Are there a lot of <4 day trips in the bid package that would fit your schedule? Are they the types of trips usually still available at your seniority? If not a Reduced Lower Limit line bid might work. Otherwise try to get something good in the first 3 days and swap board drop, PD, APD, IVD, etc. after the line awards.