Everyone mentions seniority as the "long pole in the tent". Fair enough. What does seniority buy you? Vacation, days off, certain days of flying, types of trips and the left seat. Those are the biggies.
With our flexibility and scheduling rules we can virtually build our own schedule, even as a very junior pilot. Obviously some months this is easier than others, but moving flying around to accommodate your schedule is not just possible but very likely.
Vacation and the left seat are what they are, but QOL is HUGE as a junior pilot at SWA. In my short time here my QOL is not much different than a 20+ year guy - seriously. The gap between seniority groups is very small. The luv is spread around to everyone, not just the senior. Since our trips are highly productive, you don't have to be senior to be productive. So again, the gap is very narrow. Left seat and vacation time are the only things that being junior won't get you.
How long do you have to work at other carriers to get flying you want and 17ish days off/month?
Thought I would share.
This is a good point. It is true guys. I am very Jr. I have used Elitt to get 18 days off and still pay 96 tfps X at 101.99 a trip. AT guys and gals you will be amazed on the flexibility you have even being Jr. Not trying to do a sells job but it is true. Let the good life start.