I’m at Delta. You can drop as many trips as you want as long as there’s reserve coverage over the days you want to drop the trip. We also have a pilot swap board where someone else can pick up your trip from you. I’ve used both with success. For the past year or so there’s been pretty good coverage to be able to drop most of the time with the exception of holidays. When staffing gets tight, you’re pretty much stuck. You do get one drop a year when reserve coverage is low. That being said, spend some time learning how PBS works and how to bid successfully to get the days off you want. You’d be surprised at how many guys senior to you don’t. In my first three years, I’ve worked one Christmas and that was a 2200 sign in so....I technically worked Christmas, but was home most of the day. You’ve just got to plan ahead, put in some time learning the system, and maybe have a little luck. I had the last two weeks of December off each of the last two years. I think our PBS system works really well to get you the days off you want if you know how to do it Wherever you decide to work, pay attention and take lots of notes the day they talk about bidding schedules (by whatever system you have). Then use any resources you have to learn the system really well. It’s time we’ll spent in my opinion.
Good luck!