Commuting at Spirit
 

Does Spirit have a commuter policy to get you to your base if flights are getting full?

After missing your first commute option (of minimum 2 required), Crew Scheduling, at its discretion, has the option to "Purchase a ticket for the pilot on the next available flight."

I’m assuming the two flight rule is for line holders only? Or does it extend to reserves who commute in?

It covers any assignment, but only to your domicile. Another shortfall in our contract. If you’re commuting to reserve in your assigned base, you’re covered. Keep in mind that you aren’t pay protected.

Thanks, Jules. They'll purchase a ticket on any airline for you or just a Spirit flight?
Commuting policies will be new for me.

It's at their discretion. Likely if there is good reserve coverage in base, and no irop in progress, they'll likely tell you to try for the second flight and if that does not work they'll commuter clause you off the trip. No penalty, but also no pay. When they need you in position they will positive space you on Spirit, or buy you a ticket on another airline if that's the only option available.

It depends on how much they need you. Most of the time, they’ll take you off your trip or reserve and your pay gets docked.

Last time I used the commuter clause, they assigned me to reserve days on days off equivalent to the amount of days I missed the following week. I fought it and lost, the contract allows it and “it’s a new way the company is interpreting the contract.”

You fought it through the NCC process? Did they file a formal grievance or that was their “answer” after meeting with the company for your NCC?

This seems to be common now at Spirit, unfortunately.