So really dumb vacation question but anyway. If I were to start at SkyWest in the next month or so my family is planning a big birthday for me next March. I am hoping to have 2 weeks away from work or as much as I can pull together. The family trip we are planning involves traveling to Puerto Vallarta in concert with my birthday.

So anyway I can get a week or preferably 2 off after only 5 or 6 months on the job? Schedule switching maybe? I don't care if the time is unpaid.

Thanks

The first year is the hardest. You feel like you lost all control over your life. The only options you have are Golden Days, throwing money at it or use "platinum" days.

08-17-2017 | 06:00 AM

#8034

rickair7777

Prime Minister/Moderator

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 44,895

Likes: 690

From: Engines Turn or People Swim

Quote:

Originally Posted by N1234

or use "platinum" days.

Careful doing that on probation, especially for multiple trips over a long period. Don't even think about non-revving to vacation while on a sick call. I probably wouldn't even buy a ticket on any airline which the company partners with.

And make sure no pics get on social media if you call in.

08-17-2017 | 07:38 AM

#8035

saxman66

Line Holder

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,143

Likes: 7

From: 737

Golden days are probably your best bet too. You only get per calendar year though.

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08-17-2017 | 08:26 AM

#8036

nopantsILS

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 166

Likes: 0

2 weeks off a few months out of training in March? I'd say your only bet would be to plan to drop some cash on the trips and hope for the best. If you have a RSV line you're pretty much screwed.

I overheard a 1st year pilot trying to get a Chief to give him a week off for a cruise. It did not end how he envisioned.... this was a very pro pilot CP.

The company is being very active in how they chase down sick/emer calls now, especially on the first year. A few weeks ago in ORD the leadership sent an email out to every pilot who called in sick over a random weekend demanding a doctors note. The days of racking up 10+ and not hearing a peep are over. I'd have to assume the cross checking of travel, CASS, and KCM is taking place on anyone in question.

08-17-2017 | 08:43 AM

#8037

CBreezy

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Jul 2013

Posts: 12,480

Likes: 1,054

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

I think this is a good reminder about social media. The only people should be able to see your profile are your friends. Your life isn't that important that you need to share with the whole world.

08-17-2017 | 06:44 PM

#8038

Turbosina

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 2,610

Likes: 512

From: Guppy Gear Slinger

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickair7777

Maybe. I don't think you can take vacation at that point, so it would have to via the bid, or dropping/posting trips. Probably cannot be done if you're on reserve, so you would need to be in a very junior base/equipment so you have a line. Try to bid for the days off, if that doesn't work you'll probably have to try to post them for someone to pick up. You'll want locals or two days in that case, few people have the schedule flexibility to pick up longer trips. If you want it bad, post an incentive...if you offer enough money, someone from another base will come in for it. $300-500 per trip should do it, if you need it that bad.

This right here. I've seen $200 for locals and $500 for 4-days posted...

08-17-2017 | 06:48 PM

#8039

elmetal

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 1,464

Likes: 0

So instead of the airline staffing properly to allow drops, we pay to have someone else work for us. So essentially the money they save on no reserves, we spend on giving away trips...

That 1% sure tastes good....

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08-17-2017 | 08:26 PM

#8040

Flyinlynn

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 271

Likes: 0

From: Cessna 172 CFI

Thanks all for the suggestions. I certainly don't want to mess up my job but birthdays that end in zero that your family wants to make a big event out of and all that...

If I can manage to at least get a week that would be ok. Hey, anyone here want some cash for flights in late March early April lol

Of course first I have to interview first which will be happening Friday next week. I just wanted to get a feel for what my options might be.

Thanks again