How Do Pilots Bid to Work at Other Airports? A Guide to Pilot Bidding

The process by which pilots bid for new assignments, routes, and airport bases is a fascinating system that keeps airlines operational and meets pilots’ work preferences. This guide explores the details of pilot bidding, the factors that affect successful bids, and how pilots progress in their careers through base changes and route selections.

Understanding the Pilot Bidding Process

Pilots go through a bidding process that allows them to request work at other airports, select routes, or alter their schedules based on availability and airline requirements. The bidding process is standardized within the industry, ensuring pilots have a fair chance to state their preferences while airlines maintain operational needs.

The Role of Seniority in Bidding

Seniority is perhaps the most influential factor in determining bid success. A pilot’s seniority ranking often decides who gets priority when it comes to popular routes or base changes. Generally, pilots with higher seniority have a wider range of choices and fewer restrictions.

Why Seniority Matters

1. Priority for Desired Routes and Bases: Senior pilots have the first choice of assignments, whether for specific routes, schedules, or base transfers.
2. Job Security: Seniority protects pilots from furloughs, giving those with more years at the airline more security.
3. Greater Flexibility: With higher seniority, pilots enjoy better flexibility in choosing bases closer to home or preferred destinations.

Airline Bidding Systems and Tools

Each airline has its own system, such as the Preferential Bidding System (PBS), that manages bids electronically. These systems ensure an organized process where pilots can view available positions, input their preferences, and check bid results.

Factors That Influence Successful Pilot Bids

Pilot Qualifications and Certifications

Certain routes or aircraft assignments require pilots to have specific qualifications or certifications, which impact their eligibility for certain bids.

Specialized Training and Certification

• Aircraft Type Ratings: Pilots certified to fly particular aircraft (e.g., Airbus A320 or Boeing 777) can bid for flights using those models.
• Long-Haul or International Certification: Special endorsements allow pilots to bid for longer international routes, broadening their options.

Base Demand and Open Positions

The demand for pilots at specific airport bases plays a key role. Some bases, especially in high-traffic or seasonal locations, experience increased demand, which opens up opportunities for transfers or new assignments.

Seasonal and Operational Needs

• High-Season Demand: During peak travel times, airlines may need more pilots at certain hubs, increasing bid availability.
• New Routes: When airlines add routes, they often open positions to pilots looking for base transfers or assignment changes.

Union Agreements and Airline Policies

Union agreements and airline-specific policies establish the rules for bidding, often ensuring transparency and protecting pilot rights. These policies may include criteria that favor certain types of assignments or incentivize base transfers.

Pilot Unions and Bidding Rights

• Union Rules: Agreements typically regulate seniority, job security, and the conditions of the bidding process.
• Special Incentives: Airlines sometimes offer benefits, like financial incentives or relocation assistance, for pilots who accept certain base changes.

Types of Bids Pilots Can Make

There are different types of bids within the airline industry, each serving a unique purpose. The bidding structure ensures that the airline’s operational needs align with pilots’ preferences.

Monthly Schedule Bids

Most airlines have a monthly bidding system that allows pilots to set their schedules for the upcoming month. This process includes selecting flight routes, rest days, and other work-related preferences.

Base Transfer Bids

Pilots seeking a more permanent change may request a base transfer. These bids enable pilots to work out of a different airport long-term, whether closer to home or in a preferred city.

Route Assignment Bids

Route assignments often require specific training or experience, especially for international or high-traffic routes. Pilots may bid on these routes for variety, increased pay, or career advancement.

Seniority-Based Re-Bidding

For positions that become available unexpectedly, airlines may conduct a seniority-based re-bid, offering the opportunity to pilots based on seniority.

Benefits and Challenges of Bidding for New Bases or Routes

While the bidding system allows pilots some control over their work lives, it also comes with advantages and challenges.

Benefits of the Bidding Process

• Career Flexibility: Bidding provides pilots with a way to adjust their work-life balance and seek opportunities aligned with personal goals.
• Variety in Routes and Destinations: By bidding on different routes, pilots can travel to new places and take on diverse assignments.
• Seniority-Based Advantages: High-seniority pilots enjoy more freedom in selecting routes and locations, enhancing career satisfaction.

Challenges in the Bidding System

• Competitive Bidding: For desirable routes and bases, competition can be intense, leaving lower-seniority pilots with limited choices.
• Unpredictable Schedules: Bidding can sometimes result in less predictable schedules, which may challenge pilots with family or personal commitments.
• Training Requirements: Some bids require additional training, which could limit a pilot’s eligibility or extend the time needed to secure the bid.

Key Tips for Successful Bidding

For pilots aiming to increase their chances of a successful bid, here are some effective strategies:

Build and Maintain Seniority

Since seniority is vital, pilots benefit from staying with one airline to increase their ranking over time.

Acquire Additional Qualifications

Gaining qualifications for a range of aircraft and long-haul flights can expand bidding options and boost chances for route assignments.

Stay Informed on Airline Policies

Understanding your airline’s bidding policies and union agreements will help in making strategic decisions, as some policies offer specific advantages based on location or route needs.

Opt for High-Demand Bases During Peak Seasons

Bidding for high-demand bases during peak travel seasons can increase bid success, as airlines are often in greater need of pilots at these times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Wait Time for a Successful Base Transfer Bid?

The wait time varies depending on seniority, demand at the target base, and current airline needs. For high-seniority pilots, it may take a few months, while lower-seniority pilots may wait years.

Are There Restrictions on the Number of Bids a Pilot Can Place?

Most airlines allow pilots to place multiple bids but may restrict the number or types of bids in certain situations, particularly if a pilot has recently accepted a bid.

Can Newer Pilots Secure Desired Routes or Bases?

While newer pilots are at a disadvantage in terms of seniority, they may still secure popular routes or bases if demand is high or if the base has a short staffing period.

Do Airlines Provide Training for New Route Assignments?

Yes, airlines typically provide required training, especially for international routes or assignments involving different aircraft models.

Conclusion

The bidding system provides pilots with flexibility and control over their career paths, allowing them to pursue different airport bases, routes, and schedules. While seniority plays a significant role in successful bids, pilots can also increase their chances through training, strategic bidding, and understanding airline policies. The process ensures that airlines operate smoothly while meeting pilot preferences, creating a dynamic and adaptable system that supports the needs of both pilots and airlines.