I think you have to bid out of base to go from the 700 to the 200 unless you upgrade.

Usually that is the case. I was fortunate enough at the end of 2009 to get an award from 700 FO to 200 FO. The company does not have to allow such a move but can so choose if they want to play nice.

Dual qualified makes it better. Pick the better lines regardless of airplane. And there's no difference between planes that makes it unsafe or need less staffing....

I'm all for dual qual under the right conditions, but most ASA pilots consider the words "dual qual" fighting words...

Also, you'd be amazed at the number of people here that consider flying the 200,700,900 by one pilot group "unsafe"

Dual qual would be a huge positive for the company, which typically ends up being a negative for the pilot group. I think it will eventually happen and when it does there better be language against paying primary 700 pilots' vacation and sick time at 50 seat pay rates because that would be a big plus and a cost savings/concession.

One Blended rate for all eliminates that problem

Yea!! More work and less pay, I'm all for it! That'll get rid of another 50-80 pilot positions (rough estimate), FOs get to wait longer to upgrade, 1/3 of the pilot group takes a pay cut for the other 2/3, and, you're responsible for more limitations, all for less money. What's not to like? Oh wait, let me guess, this will be a blended rate, not the over-ride method, still, 1/3 of the group gets to subsidize 2/3 of the group, the company will love this all in the name of 'better' pairings. Sign us up!

You sir are a D!PSH!T. Ask PSA how well that rolls... It's about a good a pay CUT as PBS.

Take current 700/900 pay rates, add $2-5 for each rate, and set that as the blended rate. The company would be saving a good bit of money from dual qual, the pilots should get a good chunk of the savings. Would you not take that kind of an offer?

As far a upgrades, there will be enough movement over the next 3 to 5 years that upgrade time won't be a problem. Finding new hires to fly the schedule will be the company's problem

I wonder if this "pairing optimization" is a mgmt. tactic to convince the majority of pilots that dual qual. is a desirable solution.