SWA base questions...

[SO CAL]

i'm excited to be in the 5/14 class, and i had a couple questions regarding base assignments: as a new hire, what are the junior bases? any chance of getting bwi or mdw out of training? and if not directly out of training, how long? basically, i'm trying to plan the next move with my family, any advice?

 

[roughneck]

LAS is junior and is still being staffed. You will almost certainly go to LAS out of class.

OAK is next followed by PHX or MDW. With slowed growth, it may take until the end of the year or so to get where you want. If things ramp up again, it will only take 1 or 2 bid cycles. (months)

 

[bravodude]

First congrats, Now on to your question. The junior base right now is still OAK, followed by LAS and PHX. Right now all new hires are going to OAK out of training then PHX and LAS as the try and move east. There are people who have been here over a year and still cant hold BWI. Chicago is pretty much the same although you might be able to hold it after 8-9 months. However and this is a big however if we keep all tewenty airplanes that we were going to retire then this can all change.

 

[SO CAL]

Thanks guys

 

[328dude]

So, for the April bid period. This is a list of the most junior FO in each base.

BWI- 03/28/07
DAL- 01/31/07
HOU- 06/27/07
PHX- 10/03/07
LAS- 09/07/07
MDW- 06/13/07
MCO- 04/18/07
OAK- 10/03/07

This list does not include the new hires for this year. Although, all went to OAK and PHX. Hope this helps.

 

[Ky.BrownBourbn]

i'm excited to be in the 5/14 class, and i had a couple questions regarding base assignments: as a new hire, what are the junior bases? any chance of getting bwi or mdw out of training? and if not directly out of training, how long? basically, i'm trying to plan the next move with my family, any advice?

Move to Vegas, Make your life simple, East bases continue to be downsized (or fluctuate size) and 1 year guys are barely holding MDW or MCO, None currently in BWI!

YHIHF, Hold out for DEN, that's the new rumor.

Later,
KBB

 

[SO CAL]

Another question I assume I will be on reserve for a while. How does reserve work. To I need to be at my base on call waiting....Is it like 4 on 4 off...or something of the like...What are min days off for a reserve line..

 

[Benhuntn]

Roughneck is probably dead on. I am mentoring an FO who came on board in Aug. of 07 and he is still in PHX waiting to get to BWI.

 

[Bake]

How is the "mentoring" going? Is he submissive??

 

[Benhuntn]

Res. is made up of 3 and 4 day blocks. You are on a 2 hr call out so yes you need to be in base. You will be allowed to list a preference for flying. Since you will be commuting to reserve (I assume) you will most likely want to bid (fly). That way you will be first to get called and you won't have to pay for 4 days in a hotel. Good Luck. This too shall pass and we will grow again and before you know it you will be a line holder in domicile. Welcome aboard. By the way all of this will be explained to you on day to of class.

 

[Irishav8r]

Nevermind, already covered

 

[firstthird]

Another question I assume I will be on reserve for a while. How does reserve work. To I need to be at my base on call waiting....Is it like 4 on 4 off...or something of the like...What are min days off for a reserve line..

I haven't sat reserve in a while but here are the basics.

I think it is minimum 16 days off in a 31 day month, 15 in a 30 day month.

pay is 90 trips (15 x 6 per day). hard lines pay about 95.

2 hour call out. 15 hours of reserve availability per day, either AM or PM.

looking at the may lines, it looks like they vary considerably on the days on/off. some were 4 on 3 off 4 on 3 off 3 on 4 off, some were always a Sun start. 4 days is the most they build in a row, sometimes you end up with 5 or 6 due to month to month overlap.

reserves get used a bunch, it isn't uncommon to go over your guarantee, although neither is it uncommon for them to not use you your last day or two to keep you under the 90 trip cap. I think during the summer you'll get used and used some more.

guys who are more current on the system can correct my errors and fill in the details.

congrats on the class date.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

So Cal...one more thing...be verrrrrrry careful in the OAK area. The airport hotels are OK...but the area leaves much to be desired.

If you leave the hotel...it is to get on the van to the airport. If you leave the van...it is to walk into the lobby to check in.

If the hotel burns up...then ...and only then can you leave the hotel.

Got it?...good....

 

[pilotgolfer]

SoCal,

You've been in the pool for nearly a year. Now that you are starting class,these questions are just now coming to mind? Seems like the subject may have come up like the day after you were offered the job.

I don't mean to be a wiseass. Congrats on the new job!

 

[Irishav8r]

SoCal,

You've been in the pool for nearly a year. Now that you are starting class,these questions are just now coming to mind? Hey Man! Take it easy! Seems like the subject may have come up like the day after you were offered the job.

I don't mean to be a wiseass. Your being One!Congrats on the new job!

Apologies. Nice welcome......

 

[Irishav8r]

BTW, Socal. I'm sure the reality of class approaching is pretty shocking and long waited for. They(The Company) will do a real good job informing you the first few days of indoc. Don't sweat the small stuff. Welcome.........................


PilotGolfer! I'm messing with you.....

 

[pilotgolfer]

PilotGolfer! I'm messing with you.....

At least he didn't ask, "What day do I get my aircraft assignment"? Then I really would have let him have it!

 

[yoyoma]

no, oakland is the most junior, then phx, then las. i was hired in sept. i got online in november and just got vegas for may. i could not hold vegas in april, only oakland and phx.
vegas is growing a lot so i'm sure things could change. as far as getting mdw, bwi, or mci. gonna be at least 6-12 months.

 

[Skyboy722]

SoCal,

You've been in the pool for nearly a year. Now that you are starting class,these questions are just now coming to mind? Seems like the subject may have come up like the day after you were offered the job.

I don't mean to be a wiseass. Congrats on the new job!

Well, alot has changed in that year, don't ya think??

 

[Zdriver]

no, oakland is the most junior, then phx, then las. i was hired in sept. i got online in november and just got vegas for may. i could not hold vegas in april, only oakland and phx.
vegas is growing a lot so i'm sure things could change. as far as getting mdw, bwi, or mci. gonna be at least 6-12 months.

Sweet... Kansas City is a base!!!!

hummm errr uhhhh ohhhh guess you ment MCO!!

 

[yoyoma]

:erm: yeah mco

 

[hyeflyin]

yoyoma,
How long does it take to hold a line in LAS? Thanks.

 

[yoyoma]

A friend who was hired a month ahead of me (two classes) is close to holding a line in vegas. so 9-10 months, but vegas is growing and most of the other bases are shrinking.

 

[RedBelly]

So Cal...one more thing...be verrrrrrry careful in the OAK area. The airport hotels are OK...but the area leaves much to be desired.

If you leave the hotel...it is to get on the van to the airport. If you leave the van...it is to walk into the lobby to check in.

If the hotel burns up...then ...and only then can you leave the hotel.

Got it?...good....

ATTN: All SWA Newhires... this is the single best piece of advice you will ever get.

 

[Aubie]

In OAK don't stay at the cheap hotel (can't remember the name... Super 8?) where the rooms open to the outside and the office is behind bulletproof glass. Only stay at the places with a lobby.

Oh and whatever you do don't move or make decisions on rumors. 99% never come to fruition. If they did I'd be flying 787's out of TPA overnighting in the Caribbean somewhere.

Welcome aboard.

 

[roughneck]

june vacancy awards out:

New Hires got based in Oakland, Vegas, and Phoenix with the majority going to Oakland.