Andy

Not to worry. At least half of the FNGs going EWR 737 will bid out of there on the next vacancy bid. Same with SFO. Standard churn; that's why there are always a ton of vacancies to EWR and SFO ... because most bid out of those bases at the first opportunity. What you need to watch for is people senior to you bidding INTO EWR 737FO on vacancy bids and base trades - they'll stay there.
It's a constant 3 steps forward, 2 steps back.

10andhold

If there was a choice of 756 and 737, as an east coast commuter which would be the best option?

Broncofan

loaded question. Generally speaking, the faster you can get to a line as a commuter the better which means 737. However the 756 has lots of Europe so late starts and early finishes, however you’ll be on reserve for a long time. Personally I’d go 737 and get to a line as fast as possible.

Larry in TN

737.

You'll build seniority faster and can still bid up to the 756 at any time. If you take the 756 initially, you'll be blocked from bidding down the the 737 or 320 for two years.

Bid the 737, fly a few months to get to know the system and your commute. Keep an eye on the 756 schedules that people junior to you are holding then bid the 756 when it looks better than what you're flying on the 737.

10andhold

Thanks for the response! How long does it take to be able to hold a 737 line as of right now in EWR? Obviously I know it won’t be exact, just a ball park figure. Thanks again.

hamsandwich

A few months probably. Late 2019 hires are still on reserve but that should change.

luggage ride

What is a ballpark upgrade time in SFO and LAX on narrow bodies?

Airhoss

Rough estimate 3 to 5 years IF…….

If is the thing that’s always out there.

luggage ride

Thank you! Is widebody FO about the same 3 to 5 years IF too?

FlyPurdue

I have been commuting to 756 reserve in EWR for a few months now, and I have really enjoyed it honestly. I have had good luck picking up trips to occupy my reserve time, and because the stages are generally so long (both domestically and internationally) on your last day, its hard to get anything added to your schedule that you would be legal for.

There is a thing on the 756 called 'global reserve' where you can be assigned a global (think international long haul) trip into your days off (they will be restored) but we have enough reserves right now (and limited global flying) where that has not been a factor for me yet.

I am having a blast on the 756, and the flying is easy - long legs, minimal delays, and good overnights. Plus, there are a TON of unsigned 756 FO positions right now in EWR (and eventually SFO/LAX/DCA) so a line might not be as far off as you think.

Welcome aboard!