that is amazing. Is your spouse/travel companion eligible for zed fares too?

Yes. And dependents. Even your parents in some cases. But don't get too exctied.

You are at the absolute bottom of the standby list. It's coach only. And there is a fee per segment that is usually somewhere in the $30-$60 dollar range that can add up. (eg two people, two-legs, round trip and you're looking at $400)

There are niche cases where it's super helpful. Say you're in Vienna and want to get an AA flight home ex-LHR. You can hop Austrian or BA to Heathrow then pick up American. Or if your parents live in Portugal or something. Or if you have a kids who just graduated college and wants to see the world.

But "I have 4 days off, where can my spouse and I go from Charlotte" ... not the most powerful tool.

that is still significantly cheaper than a normal ticket. By far the most attractive thing to me about the airlines is travel benefits.

if you’re a second career guy that may make sense. Takes a lot of free time and spare cash to take full advantage of the travel benefits. Eg the zed flights are full and you need to purchase last minute tickets for $700 each.

just trying to show some reality here:
don’t worry, you won’t have the time to travel while on reserve.

also, get used to be bumped and remove from flights all the time

I took multiple overseas trips during my RLD and in between reserve days when I was brand new.

PSA New and Updated Cadet Program
 

Hey guys, I am finishing up my CFI/I and am interested in joining the new PSA Cadet program.
I heard it is getting completely revamped - new bonuses, maybe flight benefits as well?
Was wondering if anyone knew anything about it or had some beginner info regarding PSA for bases, QOL, commute etc.

Thank you for any information and insight!

I would advise you against joining any cadet program. It's a major pilot market and likely still will be a year from now. Don't tie yourself down.

Avoid the cadet program at any regional. The benefits are marginal at best, and committing yourself to a regional when you still have a year or two before you can apply is unwise. Who knows what the regional industry will look like in a year or two. Just hold tight and apply to whoever looks the best for you when you've got your time.

As for bases DCA and PHL are the junior bases right now, with DAY and CLT being a bit more senior. An FO can generally hold any base relatively quickly though with the only caveat being how long you'll be on reserve.

As for QOL reserve here is terrible, and commuting to reserve is a recipe for burn out within 6 months. If you live in one of PSA's bases then it's not too horrible, but if you're going to commute your whole time here you should go somewhere else.

what is the current time on reserve for someone at DCA?