Southwest PM schedules?

[PCL Flt-ops]

I understand that at Southwest you can either bid lines that are all AM flying or all PM flying.

Can someone describe when the PM flying normally starts and ends. Does PM flying go senior or junior?

And do they ever mix PM and AM flying in the lines?


Oh, and one more thing about Southwest. What's the deal that you guys have at every hotel where you get discounted drinks?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MLBWINGBORN]

PCL Flt Ops..

Yes ..We have the ability of bidding for all AMs or PM lines..

There are mixed lines of flying that have both but I kinda view those as power user lines that people with seniority bid for in order to manipulate their schedule for better pay and or flying..

From what ive seen of the mixed lines if you try to drop trips and pick up or Line Improvement Trip Trade them and screw it up you are gonna get hosed..You may end up with a late get in with min rest and a early departure or something worse..

Going from and AM to a PM back to a AM in one month is brutal..

The AM lines of flying start at the first departure of the day and run...depending on the base..as late as say 1030 or 1100 and finish up no later than late afternoon..Say 1530 to 1830 at the latest..The earlier you start the quicker you finish..Ive had 0530 reports and had been finished by noon many times as an AMer..

As a PMer ive been getting lines that have report times of anywhere from 1230 to 1630 and have finished up as early as 2030 and as late as 0015 the following day..

If I try to LITT or pick up and drop trips ive always tried to move my return time on my last day forward..Its worth it to me to give up a trip or two of pay in order to get home before 0000 on my last day..

The seniority of both lines vary from base to base and month to month..

About the 123 rule..

SWA has contracts with almost all of our hotels that allow crew members to purchace both food and drink at a discount..

Generally you may have heard of our famous "123 rule"..

Draft beer is $1..
House wine is $2..
Well drinks are $3..

There are some variations from hotel to hotel depending on both the contract and laws of the state envolved..

The food discount varies and generally runs between 15% to 50% off of normal menue prices..

There are several hotels that run a flat SWA rate for say either a breakfast bar or a lunch/dinner buffet..

All in all most places treat us very well..

I hope this helps..

PM me with any questions

Mike