11.11.17 – PBS Bidding

Friday, November 11, 2017

PBS Bidding

It is that time of year when we see a huge block hour reduction in seasonal flying in Philadelphia. Line averages are reduced, and reserve numbers are higher.

When someone bids a high line for the sole purpose of giving trips away to friends, it causes many problems. It caps the amount of time that may be bid at a higher seniority, it creates higher Reserve numbers, and it causes financial hardship on our co-workers and friends. When enough Flight Attendants bid high time that only fly enough to be considered a low bidder, time is being taken out of the bidding pool away from the rest of the base.

Financial hardship causes great stress in people. It is a stress like no other. It affects how we parent, it affects our relationships and friendships, and it affects our jobs. I am asking everyone to please be mindful when preparing to bid. If you are someone who only flies half a month but are currently bidding a full month, please bid only the hours you want to fly, and allow others to hold the trips their seniority allows. This will help spread more time throughout the base.

PBS trainers will be available in the crew rooms to assist you with December bidding. The FABRC will also be available to answer questions and review your bids. The PBS Guide is another valuable resource which now incorporates tips for Holiday Bidding:

Preferential Bidding System Guide >>

Kim Kaswinkel
APFA PHL Base President
prphl[at]www.apfa.org