February 2013 Bid

Welcome everyone,

For this post we are officially in 2013. 2012 is gone and now we're bidding for February. 2013 will be an interesting year indeed. For example, just a few moments ago as I'm writing this, American just unveiled their new livery. This year will certainly be entertaining if nothing else.

In COS, I can't say that I'm very happy. My relative domicile seniority hasn't gotten any better thanks to continual junior FAs transferring out. I am at 46% domicile seniority in COS. That is the worst I've been in a few years. It is a bit discouraging considering that I would be 30% in DEN, 26% in ORD, 21% in IAH, and 8% in MSP. But, it could be worse!

As you know, I have always been an aviation geek. So, I have some exciting news: For the first time since 2003 I am going to take some flight instruction again. It is time that I step up to the plate and bite the proverbial financial bullet. Loans and loan payments aren't fun, but I can't see any other means of going about it. I want to be paid for flying, not throwing drinks. Being a professional pilot is my goal. For the time being, I'll be flying out at Meadow Lake with Springs Aviation. That is where I'm going to fly for an hour this Saturday. It should be a good time. I am curious to see how well I do considering I haven't had any formal instruction in nine years. I still have a lot of my original materials so at least I have some ability to study a little more and be ready. It helps too that for the past 6 years, 6 months, and 28 days, I've lived with weight and balance, operating limitations (MELs included), and weather. I have had the honor of flying with pilots that have encouraged my geekdom and graciously answered my questions. So, as far as getting back to the controls, I am ahead of the curve thanks to the world in which I live.  




As for my bid this month, I'm dumbing it down. Last month, I realized that my seniority will hold just about any trip that goes over the weekend. I feel confident that I can work more hours in less time like I am this month. This month, for example, I have been able to credit 101 hours in 16 days! That is averaging 6.3 hours a day, which with the relatively low domicile seniority is pretty darn good. I suppose I should mention too that I am happy the quality of the trips has increased. I wish they always looked as good as they do now. Check out the Prioritize Layers below! There are 81 trips out of the 307 available (for flight attendants) that meet or exceed 6.5 hours average credit per duty period! Of course, in COS, 2/3's of those 81 trips are locals which I will most likely not hold. Either way, there are so many trips that have a high credit per duty ratio that I have elected to bid for criteria only. I am not bidding for a single pairing-on-date like I typically do.

I am bidding for one day off next month. Of course, that helps considerably when it comes to the amount of trips I can bid for. I imagine my line will solve by layer four... five at the latest.

We'll see how it goes! Good luck to you!