X100!

It's got to be transperant and independent of screw scheduling. This is one rule that is worth it weight.

FWIW The 4 days off thing isn't all it's cracked up to be. I actually think we get screwed because it forces the 6 day work blocks we get. The only offset is the ability to drop.

 

Yeah, cause 2-3 on 2 off is awesome, especially for commuters. Giving up the 4 off won't stop 6 on anyway. Efficient pairings are the answer. Where were you that had better schedules?

 

15-16 days off ala SW will alleviate the need for 4 days off. Yes some lines would have 4-6 on with two off but they would also have one or two huge blocks off and people will bid those.

 

Agreed. QOL/earnings as a commuter will never be that of those that live in base.

Always has been, always will be.

 

Swa has 15 days off contractually required, so yes that would work. They also fly more legs a day than us, ala the 15 days off. More efficient pairings equal more days off or contractually required days off with inefficient pairings. So you honestly believe that we can get efficient pairings?

 

2-3 days off compared to a minimum 4 off is crap no matter where you live. Always has been, always will be. You are giving Crew Planning waaaay too much credit.

 

Interestingly enough...

No one seemed to state the obvious. All airlines (that's every single one) are doomed to failure sooner or later. Look at the greats of old...Eastern, TWA, etc. the model of seniority and ever increasing wage costs is unsustainable as there's always another startup airline that comes in, undersells and runs the giants out of business. The big three make money on their international flying mostly. In the 70s, Southwest pilots were the laughing stock of the industry taking less wages and only flying narrow bodies domestically. Now, they're paid on par with the the Big three. It will be interesting to see how long that model lasts.

My advice, find an airline that is growing who's contract is up. Pick the one with the best QOL (bases, contract language, etc.) that you can - knowing that it will probably change - and get on a seniority list as soon as possible. Join the negotiating committee of the union and fight like heck.

Chances are, you'll make a good living, be happy and fly some new equipment without being on reserve for 8+ years.

 

SCOPE SCOPE SCOPE! More than anything. Codesharing will either whipsaw us separately one day in the future or kill us together.