Crew Schedule 101

I've been working my ass off this last week, trying to get all my hours in before I head up to Seattle for Sean's wedding on the 22nd. For whatever stupid reason, my transfer to Chicago didn't take effect until January6, which meant I had to bid for a January schedule in St. Louis. I did, and then crew schedule removed all the trips from my schedule, and gave me "available" days for the rest of the month in Chicago. "Availability" essentially means I am available to the company on that particular day. I can look ahead in the computer for trips that need covered and put them on my schedule myself, or scheduling can do it for me the day before.

It generally isn't too bad, but since I couldn't bid for my trips in Chicago this month, I couldn't tell scheduling I needed the 20th-24th off. And wouldn't you know I'm available the 20th-23rd? Figures. So, there is a way around this... fly the max number of hours before you get to those days and scheduling can't touch you -- you are illegal to fly. So, I am attempting to fly a full month in 11 days, which isn't so untypical, it's just that I'm flying six days straight, taking two off and flying five more. It's hectic, but when I get home Monday night it will have more than been worth it. And, I'll get to spend time stress free in Seattle with my friends.

Beth and I are flying to Seattle on Friday morning, the 21st. We plan on spending the day in city, checking out all the sites. We're staying in downtown as well. Jenn and Aaron are picking us up Saturday morning for the wedding, which is in Snohomish. Then we'll head back to the city as a group, stay there overnight, and have a blast together on Sunday. Beth and I fly back Sunday night about six. I am really looking forward to seeing Sean again, although I know it will be brief, and looking forward to spending the weekend with Beth, Jenn and Aaron. Good times with old friends. Yeah, I like that.