The first thing I do when I see "Payload Optimized" on the flight plan (after I mumble "oh crap" under my breath) is talk to the gate agent. I tell the agent to let me know the minute it appears than any jumpseater or non-rev might have to be left off the flight. I tell the agent that I can usually call dispatch and work things out so no one has to be left behind. I also tell the flight attendants about the situation and to let me know the moment they hear anything about anyone being left off.

I also carry a copy of that memo about jumpseaters not being removed for payload optimization.

We had lower monthly caps than we had at fNW and as a result of rig changes it was harder to build patterns to stay under and approach that max on international widebody. Not a problem when ALV is high, big problem when ALV is low and reserve levels are over 35%.

Unless the regs changed we need 24 hours off within 7 days. Sitting long call or short call is not 24 hours off.

Anyone know how Delta gives the time off?

Thanks again.

Scheduling will assign rest the same way they assign trips. You also must acknowledge the rest in the same way (in some circumstances). They assign rest routinely but normally you never see it because you are getting legal rest anyway so there is no need for you to acknowledge.
When you view your schedule there is an option to "Display Reserve Rest Period Info". Check it out - check some prior months - they are assigning rest breaks that you never see.

If they are going to give you the 24 hours on days that you would normally be on call then they WILL require an acknowledgement. Either a phone call or via computer.

tsquare-
In addition to the Whitlow 9 hour thing, you also have to have 24 consecutive hours free of duty in a 7 day period.

If you had a 24 hr break in a layo it suffices. If you have not is there one on the four day trip that they have assigned to you that keeps you with in the 24 in seven window? If not they need to give you 24 hrs free of obligation.

Also when you acknowledge the trip, a second pop up my show releasing you from duty for 24 hrs. I have seen that before.

We had the same problem on the Delta side. There was a major recession in the airline industry. I made 30 grand less then the year before because of the lack of flying. It would have occurred at NW with or without the merger and in fact NW more then likely would have seen a bigger drop with the collapse of the far east. The good news is the far east is coming back quicker then some other areas. If you look at the average NW pilots earnings for this year I think you will see quite a different story. I have spoken with several NW pilots who are on track for their best earnings since pre bankruptcy.

Plenty of 30 hour layovers................

Good info. Never knew there was a "Display Reserve Rest Period Info" option. Thanks.

You're right. I didn't look at the four day closely as there is a +25 hour layover. Bummer. Was hoping for an extra day off. Thanks.

Well there you go. They always seem to find a way to make it work. :D

DAL,

I do the same thing. I was just a little upset that:

1.) Keenster got off of that flight &
2.) The captain let him.

It's one thing if he just showed up 5 minutes before departure, but I think he said he was there about an hour prior. All I can say is three words, "That's messed up."

I think Keen should take it to the chief pilot level and maybe they can put out another memo or something....