ASA COMA will be offered to probationary pilots, too?
 

The contract says if you're on probation, you aren't eligible for Company Offered Months of Absence. The letter BM sent out said this:

For September 2008, company offered monthly absences (COMA) will be offered to all Captain and First
Officers by virtue of seniority and will be granted upon staffing accommodations. (I added the bold)

I also heard from a friend who asked BM about it and Brian said yes, even probationary pilots can bid.

Thought I'd throw that out there in case there are any probationary pilots that are senior to me that might not have bid for it otherwise :D

Yeah I sent a message to BM too and he responded "prob. pilots will be taking into consideration for COMA lines." I don't think ALPA will care since this is more favorable then the contract.

If you want out for a month, regardless of status, i'm more than sure they'll be happy to ablige..

I am not just wondering if the COMA lines are a month at a time or will there be some that are week to week. Even bi-weekly

Those of you considering COMA should be sure to read the COMA contract sections beforehand, as well as the sections discussing longevity and seniority on a LOA. You will continue to accrue seniority, but not longevity. Seniority is for bidding. Longevity is for pay and benefits. Get it?

In other words, if you take an LOA, instead of getting your raise and extra week(s) of vacation on your anniversary date, it will be extended by the amount of leave you took. Same goes for probation if you are still on it.

It's for a full month. If you want something different, apply for a personal LOA. According to SH you WILL be approved.

According to the memo they sent out, and section 9.I.15 of the contract -
"A pilot awarded a COMA will accrue and retain longevity and seniority"

I should have been more clear. I was referring to a personal LOA. COMA is discussed in section 9.I.15, as you said.

Ah, Gotcha. Just didn't want anyone to be discouraged from taking a COMA (If I can't hold a line maybe I'll be able to get some decent golden days)

that is exactly why i am asking about COMA and not LOA