Does anyone like PBS?
 

My company does not currently have PBS but we are seriously considering it. I jumpseat alot and have never met anyone who has PBS who actually likes it. Does anyone that has PBS like it? Is it any better than lines of time? Pluses? Minuses? What are some protections that you would suggest we incorporate? Please discuss.

Nova, Frontline....Jim Lehrer. Who doesn't like PBS?

you beat me to that one

Management at any company loves PBS!

I think PBS is great. It's complex and requires a lot of trial and error but once you get it down it's an incredible system. You can ask or anything you want. I've never taken vacation time simply because if I want a week off I just bid for it and make it my first item on the list. If you want weekends off then make that first. When you're very junior its nice because you can bid reserve and pick your days off. If you commute then it's the best option simply because I'll put something like So that way I just told it to give me commutable 3 day trips. It will award you the best trips that you can possibly hold if you tell it to. It can be no more manipulated than other bidding systems by companies. They key lies in your trip trade system.

Personally I think it's the best option especially if you're a commuter.

There's too many variable to sum it up as being that easy, or that great.

Examples;

The quality of the software itself, the quality of your CBA if applicable

How well your scheduling committee is able to oversee it's operation since it's not like traditional line bidding and it's easy to tell if seniority was honored or not

How well the software operates in the parameters it supposed to.

Ask the CAL guys how much they like PBS bidding. When the get done complaining, if there's any time left, ask them if it honors seniority.

PBS only works well if the trip pairings put into the system are good.

In the case of my company, we just started using it and most are unhappy. The main problem for us is the very low staffing levels!! We could hire a couple dozen people and maybe it will make a difference.

My experience has been the same as most. My lines have been ok at best. Very few days off and somewhat commutable.

IF you are in the top 10% of seniority you will love it. Other than that ...good luck!

Very true! :D I rode on a CAL jumpseat from IAH-PHX one night and heard nothing good about PBS.

You need to be senior and have strong contractual language to make pref-bid good from a pilot's point of view.

Even for the top 10% it still takes a lot of work to get what you really want and even then it pbs findsnew and inventive ways of not doing it.