Peacock

What barabek said. In Jan I flew 5 days (credit for 7 because I called in sick for a two day from give away) and credited 99. Guys are still bidding straight on a lot of stuff split below rig, and that results in a reserve flying one or two legs and getting the rig anyway. If I get called out, I want 8+ tfp in a day or a single DH.

flyguy81

It’s 2 different ways of negotiating. From what I’ve read of SWAPA’s NC stuff since I’ve been here they definitely want gains but also want an agreement which doesn’t place the company in a place where they can’t continue to be really successful (in my view that’s reasonable as long as what we need is met).

Doesn’t really matter right now since it’s so early in the cycle. The NC speaks for me and I’ll determine whether or not any TA meets what I consider to be a good deal. You do the same and we’ll see where we end up.

Once we do get a deal by all means post any down sides you see as others might not catch it (LTD for example...I didn’t know it was so crappy til like 2 years ago).

at6d

Understand. My problem is I’m right at the two hour callout with the drive. I’d rather not do individual days.

Proximity

You'd be surprised what some pilots are taking as EF...I know I am.

I just tell myself that they have a son or daughter in college in MCI/OMA/STL and just want to visit. Or they are pairing it with another trip. Because other wise I don't see why you'd EF a sub-rig 2-3 days.

e6bpilot

Desperation breeds irrational behavior. I too have scratched my head. Look at some of the captain awards, especially in senior bases. Things are going for straight open time that I would never ever even consider.
That being said, I know I am picking up things extra fly that I wouldn't have touched two years ago, but that's all relative. Two years ago, I was holding myself to a fairly strict 10tfp/day average. These days, I try to set the "rigged" standard for normal trips, but I have picked up some ugly two days with a deadhead only on the front or back that make it a sweet paying turn and eliminate a leg of my commute. One man's trash...

SlipKid

I was a 10tfp per day min guy for years. Heck, in 2016-17, I averaged (including vacation and sick time) right around 10TFP for every day I put a uniform on and went to work.

That came to a screeching halt for MCO Capt in early 2018, and has gotten worse since the Max debacle.

Rigged trips are the new premium.

Like DTC, in spite of the spin that TW is putting on it these days, STC is yet another hard won SWApA gift that keeps on taking.

Proximity

Disagree...STC in good, if used properly...which is to break long trips into chunks that more pilots are legal for.

My observation is that the company is using it wrong. They purposely split trips, export to other bases, create unneeded DHs that risk mis-connects and reduce available seats to sale. Often times they will burn through reserves needlessly and create trips that cost the company more then just having one pilot flying it premium.

All of the above is currently benefiting me. I don't mind going out for 4 days to block 6 hours and start late/finish early for 26 trips. Or bidding all pieces of a STC trip and being paid for all the DH. However, The reason I support SWAPA's idea to rig all open time is that what is currently happening is wasteful and measures need to be enacted to protect the company from itself.

SlipKid

I completely agree that rigged open time would make STC a completely different animal.

But we didn't have that when STC was injected into the contract, and like most of the stuff we've saddled ourselves with over the years, the results were completely predictable, and not in a good way. All STC has accomplished is to ensure max reserve utilization.

FWIW, when we voted for the current rigs in '02(?), the vast majority (sound familiar?) of the group thought they'd apply to ALL flying. Of course, SWApA did nothing to allay that notion.

Bulldog08

Hey guys I’m looking for insight on commuting. I live in AEX and would plan to commute. HOU and DAL are about a 4 hour drive away. Daily flights to IAH, DFW, and ATL on non-company metal. What could one expect as far as nights away from home with this kind of commute? What does a typical monthly line look like? Is it a nightmare to have to catch an Uber to get from say IAH to HOU if your home airport doesn’t have southwest?

On another note, what were competitive times to get hired (pre-COVID)?

ZapBrannigan

I'd pick DFW over HOU since you can take light rail between the two airports. I did it for two years commuting from XNA. Piece of cake!

IAH to HOU is a lot harder and more expensive.

All that said, by the time you commute to either of those and add on the ground transportation you might as well just drive. Space positive in your own car.

Also pre-Covid and pre-Max there really weren't many commutable trips. Either AM trips you commute in the night before for, or PM trips that get back too late to commute home from. It's better now but who knows for how long.


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