Originally Posted by P Owed Captain

I had seen a lot of NK pilots expressing fear that schedule flexibility was going away with the new contract, so I'm happy to hear things are still good for you guys!

Originally Posted by aa73

I’ve successfully dropped close to 100% of my AA schedule every month since holding a line last summer, and rebuilt to 90hrs using out of base trips. It’s very doable here. Like Al Czervik said... ya gotta know how to do it.

Originally Posted by thrust

I’ve dropped my entire schedule at AA ((lineholder) since December. Haven’t flown a trip for straight pay since then- all premium, working the same amount of days. There are a few methods of doing this. It isn’t that difficult to do nor does it take a ton of time. There are ways to automate the process so you’re not glued to a phone. Obviously, seniority helps- getting trips others desire in PBS is the first step. Don’t expect to be the most junior lineholder and have the same flexibility as the most senior lineholder. I imagine that principle applies at any airline.

Originally Posted by FallingWithStyle

Some name it seem as though AA is locked in once the schedule comes out.

Originally Posted by thrust

I’ve dropped my entire schedule at AA ((lineholder) since December. Haven’t flown a trip for straight pay since then- all premium, working the same amount of days. There are a few methods of doing this. It isn’t that difficult to do nor does it take a ton of time. There are ways to automate the process so you’re not glued to a phone. Obviously, seniority helps- getting trips others desire in PBS is the first step. Don’t expect to be the most junior lineholder and have the same flexibility as the most senior lineholder. I imagine that principle applies at any airline.

Originally Posted by thrust

I’ve dropped my entire schedule at AA ((lineholder) since December. Haven’t flown a trip for straight pay since then- all premium, working the same amount of days. There are a few methods of doing this. It isn’t that difficult to do nor does it take a ton of time. There are ways to automate the process so you’re not glued to a phone. Obviously, seniority helps- getting trips others desire in PBS is the first step. Don’t expect to be the most junior lineholder and have the same flexibility as the most senior lineholder. I imagine that principle applies at any airline.

Originally Posted by asmallstep4man

Echoing the fleet and domicile question? And how many years at AA to hold your line?

Originally Posted by Go Cards go

I’m at Delta. You can drop as many trips as you want as long as there’s reserve coverage over the days you want to drop the trip. We also have a pilot swap board where someone else can pick up your trip from you. I’ve used both with success. For the past year or so there’s been pretty good coverage to be able to drop most of the time with the exception of holidays. When staffing gets tight, you’re pretty much stuck. You do get one drop a year when reserve coverage is low. That being said, spend some time learning how PBS works and how to bid successfully to get the days off you want. You’d be surprised at how many guys senior to you don’t. In my first three years, I’ve worked one Christmas and that was a 2200 sign in so....I technically worked Christmas, but was home most of the day. You’ve just got to plan ahead, put in some time learning the system, and maybe have a little luck. I had the last two weeks of December off each of the last two years. I think our PBS system works really well to get you the days off you want if you know how to do it Wherever you decide to work, pay attention and take lots of notes the day they talk about bidding schedules (by whatever system you have). Then use any resources you have to learn the system really well. It’s time we’ll spent in my opinion.
Good luck!

Originally Posted by thrust

Missed this. 737 MIA. I held a line after maybe 4 months post-OE, a couple years pre-COVID.

I don’t think I’ve actually ever flown my entire PBS-awarded schedule.