FullThrust

I don’t see why you can’t get an 8:30pm flight home on rap 2. Even on the worst day CS will let you go at that hour on rap 2 on your last day.

Naviator

And who is my rep?

A150K

What time is your last flight out? You're only good for a turn on your last day (unless they Jr man you into an overnight, which at current staffing levels isn't gonna happen), so there comes a point where youre useless to them. I have been released at 8:00 to catch an 8:30 flight no problem on RAP 2 . They won't release you if you don't call and ask though, so you will have to do that...It's a horrible reserve system, but try to use current staffing to make it suck a little less for yourself if you can.

Aviatrx

Your LEC contact info is on the ALPA website. You should familiarize yourself with this site. There is some good info here. Most importantly, your Local Reps. they are an excellent resource and can be very helpful with your questions and concerns

Naviator

Thanks. I’ll try that.

Naviator

Thanks. I’ll check it out.

f16jetmech

I got rap 2 in ORD on my going home day and called and get released @ 2. Just be nice and ask kindly. If they say no than so be it. I'd be shocked if you couldn't get released by 8 to catch that flight

Pedro4President

If they say no then follow up with when does the next shift come in or ask when might be a possibility of getting released. And WHEN they release you early say "Thanks have a good day." Hang up!

Honestly I'd even ask at 12 to see if you could get the early flight. There isn't much difference in what a RAP 1/2 is legal for on the last day.

Also, did someone junior to you get the S1? And did you bid for the Rap 1?

f16jetmech

I think my proffer was rap 1 then standby 1. Got neither with Rap2. Waited patiently and just called @ 2. I didn't want to push it any earlier... Looked @ who was below me and mentioned that when I called. I think there were 25 total on RAP when I called

highfarfast

Man, when I was on reserve, I called nearly every day to be released early from both RAP and standby. I commute but it's an easy one to commute daily from so there were a lot of times where going home just for the night made sense by being released a few hours early.

Anyway, standby is definitely harder to get out of than RAP, but not impossible.

Don't worry about pushing your luck or feeling cheaky about calling too early. Just call and ask. Worst thing is that they say 'no'. If it really is too early, when you call later for the next flight option, they'll remember you really wanted to get out of dodge earlier. Best case, you're released the first time you called. There is no penalty for asking.

If it's your last day, whether you're on standby or RAP, if they hesitate about releasing you, ask them if there are any turns left you're good for and remind them it's your last day. My experience, just them knowing it's your last day is often enough and it's not always obvious to them that it's your last day.

Be nice and courteous on these calls. Don't pick a fight. When they remember you from the last time they talked to you, you don't want them expecting a confrontation.