Oh ScaryKite, the Pats are great, just wanted to add that.

Republic's implementation of PBS sucks.

However, that is because they put in pre-built pairings and not the individual trips that would allow PBS more flexibility.

I have flown at places with both and overall, I like bidding lines better. (with the option drop/trade)

I had lines at Mesa...I have PBS now at Shuttle America. Granted I am top 10% in base now...but I MUCH prefer PBS. Even when I was more junior, I got a lot of little victories with PBS. Even if I couldn't get everything I wanted, I would end up getting something I wanted....ORF overnights to see the folks, day trips, etc.

Now that I am senior it is awesome...get the days off I want...Next month I only have one overnight (14 day trips and one 2 day trip).

PBS does take a little getting used to...there are a few neuances that will get you if you don't know what you are doing. After about 3 or 4 months of messing up your bid, you get the hand of it.

PBS is a fine system when you know what to ask for. I have many people ask me how to bid and I show them how and they come back to me and say, "I got a great line next month, thanks." You just have to know how to work the system in your favor. You need to see what people senior to you bid. You don't have access to their specific bid, but you can tell if they bid for weekends off, day trips vs. 4 day trips. All this can be done via the award. I have to agree, that the middle of the road bidder has a harder time bidding than the senior and most junior. Senior people get what they want and Junior just hope for the best. Middle of the road guys can screw themselves if not careful.

Junior thru middle of the pack have to be real careful to NOT ask for tooooo much... the way RAH has it set up it can slap you around pretty good if you are not careful. The top thirty percent or so can really work the system if they know how and put some time into learning to bid..... Junior guys can do okay too... just prioritize your wishes and bid accordingly....

I have to disagree with this. It is more about how you bid and how those senior to you bid, that will create the differences from month to month.

I see very few problems with how PBS works.

There is no substitute for knowing the exact schedule you are bidding for in advance, even if its a crappy one. PBS is at best just a preference bidding system, telling the company what you would hope to get and letting them build your schedule. Total BS in my opinion. Losing the option to drop trips that touch vacation is also bad news, dont give that up!!!!

If management is pushing for it, there's a red flag. Simple as that...

This is an example of a Pinnacle pilot trying to figure out prefbid... trying to bid... or even receiving his bid award with prefbid. Enjoy!

YouTube - Crazy German Kid

Prefbid is only as good as your company makes it. They set the parameters. It can be a good thing or it can be an awful thing.

man i havent seen that video in a while, WHAT A CLASSIC!

even more fun to watch the one thats properly translated :)