SWA Newhire Schedule ?

[Jaike1]

Hey all,
I'm trying to find out what schedule I can expect as a newhire at Southwest. I'm specifically interested in the consecutive days on and off. I understand all bids are different, but I would like to know on average, what to expect and for how long. For example, 3 on-4 off, or 4 on-3 off. I haven't been hired, just trying to get some info. Looking for best/worst case scenarios. I plan on moving to the base I get.

Thanks!
J

I have tried the search function....

 

[Benhuntn]

After IOE you will get a hard line to help get your first 100 hrs. That line may be in your base of choice. After your hard line month you will bid for your line like everyone else. You will most likely have a few months of reserve. Then you may want to bid blank lines until you can hold a regular line. Typically you can expect to work 3 on 4 off and 4 on 3 off lines. You do have the opportunity to adjust your line by picking up open time and by trip trading with the company. Both of these options are difficult while on reserve. Right now OAK and BWI are fairly junior. You could expect BWI within a month. I am not sure how long it takes to get to PHX or HOU. LAS opens in the Fall as a base. Good Luck

 

[RedDogC130]

How long are people waiting to get MCO?

 

[B727Driver]

Some are getting PHX right out of class. MCO within 3 mos. Hiring is at a brisk pace so it doesn't take long to get where you want. Seniority moves the fastest in OAK with BWI and PHX close behind (LAS will change things). Trading trips is available with open-time and schedule modification is usually not a problem. Best of luck and welcome.

 

[Jaike1]

Thanks...

I'm a family man (2 kids under 4 yrs old) so I would like to maximize nights at home.

What is reserve like typically? You still have hard days off right? Looks like when I can hold a regular line I can expect to work 15-20 days a month...sound about right? And expect a max of 3 nights away (4 day trip) or best case - 2 nights away (3 day trip)....IF I live at my base.

 

[sclark161]

I'm on my 2nd month of reserve and so far haven't seen a reserve line with less than 15 days off. Hard lines seem to have a minimum of 16 off. I live east coast and i'm finishing my second month in OAK. I've got BWI next month where i'll likely stay forever. System wide, average days off is a bit over 17, so you probably won't be working 20 days a month unless you want to. There's always plenty of trips to pick up. Good luck Jaike.

 

[Jaike1]

I live east coast and i'm finishing my second month in OAK.

Fun commute?

 

[sclark161]

I'm on my way out the door right now for hopefully my last transcon commute.

 

[slaquer5]

Thanks...

I'm a family man (2 kids under 4 yrs old) so I would like to maximize nights at home.

What is reserve like typically? You still have hard days off right? Looks like when I can hold a regular line I can expect to work 15-20 days a month...sound about right? And expect a max of 3 nights away (4 day trip) or best case - 2 nights away (3 day trip)....IF I live at my base.

My brother if you live at base you will have life made. ENJOY

 

[Jaike1]

Think so Slaq? I know it HAS to be better than my fractional schedule....toooo many days away. I also have some corporate gigs in play......trying to weigh the pros and cons of each.

Thanks.