Reserve protocol for FAs at SWA, UA & AA
Hi all, I’m comparing airlines and need help understanding the reserve policy for FAs at UA, AA, SWA.
I’m told this impacts multiple things like stamina and quality of life in the first few years. I have 4 questions:
Do you work reserve for a set period of time before you can get a line or is being on reserve determined by seniority and base?
Once you get a line, do you still have to work reserve and how often?
What’s the average amount of time you’re on reserve before getting a line?
The closest thing I have to compare is working at the post office. You’re hired as a CCA and your role is to cover open routes, meaning you could work 6-10 different routes in one week at various stations in the area. This lasted until you turned “regular” (letter carrier) and could bid on an open route with a set schedule. When I worked there, it took about 18 months to become regular. Talk about a lifestyle change carrying mail in the snow, heat, rain and wind!