Does anyone here commute out of SLC that can shed some light on the feasibility of commuting and what domicile would be preferable?

 

A lot of people. SDF

 

I wouldn’t consider ONT to be that senior, at least on the FO side. If you look at the IPA charts (internal to the UPS group). ANC is by far the most junior, followed by ONT and the A300 (SDF only).

ONT is smaller overall though, so there’s a little bit less variability in the flying.

 

Hello, first time poster. I started at UPS recently and I have an inquiry regarding the bid lines.
Looks like for December and January the lines are terrible for commuters. About 39 lines out of 329 are somewhat doable for those who commute. Over 150 have between 6-8 reports.
Not 1 reserve line has a block of 14 days on in a row.

Is this normal? Or is it due to peak? Or has it anything to do with this bid packet being longer?

Either way, as a commuter from the east coast this is really hurting me. My wife has a great paying job where we live and our kids are in great schools. Commuting is my only option right now. With these lines I would be lucky to see my family once during that 48 day period.
I just wanted to get some insight if this is going to be a new normal. This will be devastating for my marriage and I would rather quit my dream job than jeopardize my marriage and family.

Thanks in advanced.

 

There are some legit posters here, but better asked on the B&G.

Not 74, but last year peak schedules were krap on Z.
I haven’t looked closely yet, but appears more of the same.
The extra time this bid to reset the 7 year window doesn’t help.

These multi reports to ANC seems to be more common each bid period now.

 

Schedules across the board have deteriorated over the last 3-4 years due to "optimization" designed to minimze conflict and maximize 'productivity'. This is felt acutely in ANC; the Ocho's longer legs combined with optimization and Asia COVID stuff has lead to shorter trips and more line reports in a commuter-heavy domicile.

THAT SAID

Peak bids are never representative of baseline, and the every-seven-year nine week Peak bid is even less so.

Every individual has to do what is in the best interest of themselves and their family.

 

Schedules are always horrendous from Thanksgiving until the middle of January. Getting things in time for Christmas and then the usual rush of returns post Christmas.

I can't speak to if these will be the new normal moving forward outside peak, but for peak this garbage is normal.

During my time in ANC, I always bid block 80 vacation in the first round. That may help with the holiday blues moving forward.

 

Are you close to holding vto or vtor? Looking back at those previously - have they been any better for gaining less reports?

Pretty sure the number of 74ANC reports per bid have been a constant complaint for months now. My guess is that it will only be fixed via QOL gains during the next contract negotiations. So, in a few years but less than a decade.

Truly sorry that this is what you have to worry about on probation. That sucks. But it's good to get this reality out there for those shopping.

I will say the optimizer hasn't decimated the Z yet. See if you can hold out your seat lock? Switch fleets?

I would reach out to the union scheduling committee and voice your concerns.

 

ANC was pretty good up until last October. Then it took a nose dive and since then, they have never recovered. One reason why so many people transferred to SDF. Their thinking is, "if the schedules are terrible in ANC, I'll rather have a shorter commute."

 

Thanks for the replies. It is a real shame that things have turned so badly in ANC. I have chatted with several other crew members, and most are very unhappy with these lines. Only two pilots I have talked to are okay with them—go figure-- they live in ANC. And yes, as a probation pilot, I want to keep a low profile and not ask too many questions or display any unhappiness. I am very privileged to be here, and it's been a dream of mine for many years. But, unfortunately, everything has been sliding down on the QOL scale since I got on.
As far as VTO and VOTRs look at snapshots, it seems like those are being taken really fast. Same as the reserve lines (which the vast majority have four reports to boot). This renders a junior guy with the 6-8 report schedules.
Regarding moving out to SDF, it seems that the vast majority (both CA and FOs) will bid out. Most pilots commute to ANC, and everyone is itching to get out. My entire class of 16 is awaiting the bid to bid out. It will be hard to leave ANC with so many senior guys wanting to bounce, but who can blame them?
The seat lock issue is also a problem. A lot can happen in another year, and I don't know if I can keep up with these schedules. Being on probation makes matters worse as it is not affordable to buy tickets, and not having a commuter clause for other carriers helps.
This has come as a shock to many new pilots and me. I would have thought about moving over if I had a clue that this was how things would play out.
I hope these lines were a flop due to the peak and the long bid period.
By the way, I found a B&G post, but it seems like the vast mojirty of pilots suggest leaving for another airline as things here will get worse rather than get better. So maybe I should heed the advice.