KPer

You can't swap/trade reserve pairings with the company. Only with other pilots. You can pick up extra reserve pairings from the company in open time (at second year pay) if you want.

iPilot6

I interviewed last May and was not hired. I am eligible again next month, is the window still open? I have been updating my profile regularly. Just wondering if the currently candidates are coming from an ongoing open window or one that is closed?

Thanks!

at6d

You can also give away reserve blocks in one base, then pick up trips from other bases (either through open time or the trip trade/give away system).

This way, one can avoid a commute or at least reduce it.

I have been able to build a line of flying from a reserve line, and as a reserve guy have sat very little reserve.

Of course, luck has a lot to do with it--people have to pick up your stuff. If they don't, you are still on the hook.

flyguy81

I've been trying that but I guess nobody wants weekend LAS rsv. Haha

e6bpilot

Yes, you can, but picking up reserve blocks when there is flying available to pick up from open time is not the best way to make money. Reserve hamstrings you and you are essentially on a B scale for things like reroutes and move up premium.
Reserve at SWA isn't a way to sit around and earn money. Our reserve utilization is extremely high and reserves aren't paid the same as lineholders. I did it for 18 months and got to learn the litany of tricks and hacks that you can do to make your life somewhat better. In the end, though, having red blocks on your board is to your detriment unless on the top of your board it says LINEHOLDER and you have done your homework.
If you are a probie, I highly suggest picking up open time at straight pay as KPer mentioned to increase your take home pay. You will get second year pay (about a 70 percent increase) and bidding straight time means you will almost certainly get the trip as most guys here bid premium.
Get rid of any and all reserve that you can. It is a B scale.

e6bpilot

This may work with weekday reserve in bases like ATL or PHX where there are few commuters, but good luck getting rid of reserve in any other scenario. Weekend reserve is like herpes. You can't get rid of it and nobody wants it.
I was a reserve for a long time and gave away maybe 3 reserve blocks the entire time.

KPer

I hear ya, partner. I am doing my best to not sit reserve for free. I live about 40 mins from domicile and have had some luck picking up a 2-day reserve block from OT and not get used. Easy time at home on 2nd year pay. Batting about 400. As summer approaches I'll throttle back on that as I'm sure I will bat 0.

at6d

Next month is a blank line, so hopefully minimal reserve.

To your point on PHX, I understand. I got lucky. Since January, I've been a reserve guy--but only flew one reserve block of three days since then. The rest of my month is also clear of red! Somehow, I was able to pull it off so I know it's possible.