We have a vacancy running right now and there are still unfilled 787 vacancies, though it's only a few days into the bid so that will change. So far captain is going right about 2 years system seniority and there are 136 unfilled 777 FO vacancies as well. The landscape has shifted a ton just in the last 6 months or so. I'm a little over two years at United and in June I barely got back to the 756. Now I have an opportunity to upgrade or hold the 787/777 in multiple bases if I choose. It's pretty unbelievable.

wonder how the unpaid leaves will change things

There weren’t that many exemptions granted. People with a legit medical inability to get the shot are in a bad spot, but I’m guessing that many of those who went out on religious exemptions have a revelation after a month or two without pay and get vaccinated. Those on leave will definitely be personally affected, but the airline will motor on without skipping a beat.

is that why they’re asking people to cancel vacations? time will tell I guess.

They’d be asking to cancel in certain categories with or without these people. They’re pretty short staffed and passing out premium trips like candy. A few people on leave won’t change much. Advertise a trip at 75% or 100% premium and it’s gone quickly. The senior pilots that live in base and can take advantage of these trips are making some bank. Still not a fan of mandates, but there just isn’t enough unvaccinated pilots to make any significant impact on the operation.

you may be right. United got ahead of it by paying/coercing peoples decisions. Like I said, time will tell.

that is crazy. Thanks for the explanation

Not that great a story, but I enjoyed it at the time.
Commuting for Great Lakes (lol) in the late 90s.

Decided to switch to Horizon for no commute. Interviewed on a Thursday and was offered an F-28 class Monday, or “a Dash class in a month or so…” Obviously, “See you Monday!” was my reply.

Felt a little bad about leaving Lakes with basically zero notice (lol again- this should have been considered an extra perk), so I called Tosty.
”Will you guys be able to get someone out here to cover my flying?”
Tosty, ****ed, “WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? YOU’RE QUITTING ANYWAY, AREN’T YOU??”
Me: “Ha! Good point!” and hung up on him.