2026 Q1 Newsletter – Scheduling Committee Update

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Scheduling Committee Update

Something we contend with month to month is the company’s published projections on the number of Pure Lines, Composite, and Reserve Lines. This is a best guess, “good faith” estimate of what the company is predicting when the bid lines are awarded. Occasionally, the actual results can vary quite a bit from the published projections, but is CBA compliant.

Make sure when you bid, you bid your line preference in the order you wish it to be awarded. We have seen issues where pilots did not want a high PCH line and would have preferred reserve. Keep in mind, it’s virtually guaranteed in high fly months, most of the awarded lines will be high PCH and built to the higher end of the PCH window.

I would also make sure you bid enough trips to ensure you meet the published PCH values. Every month we see pilots that have failed to bid enough trips and get forced into a composite line or reserve by fractions of an hour. One method you can use is the “No Pref” option and the solver will use the low PCH bid window and the high PCH window allowing more flexibility. Sorting trips by PCH vs. show time, for example, would have also helped some pilots get lines over past months.

As many of you have noticed by now, the company is constructing more multi day pairings. Currently the company has stated there is no intention of moving away from our out-and-back model but some of our bases had a significant percentage of multi-day trips. The reason for most of these pairings is to cover transition training in other bases. I would expect this to continue for some time.

We are also working alongside the company to bring CAE’s replacement for Merlot crew scheduling software online. More to come on this in the future.

Lastly, we’re looking for a few more volunteers to join the scheduling committee. Ideally we are seeking West coast pilots. Knowledge of section 15, NavBlue, and Excel are desired. Please send us an email if interested.

Fly safe!
Scheduling Committee
Scheduling@apa2118.org

2025 Q1 Scheduling Committee Update

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Scheduling Committee Update

Allegiant Air Pilots,

When reaching out to the Scheduling Committee for clarification or to report a potential issue, please be sure to include the following information in your message:

  • Full Name

  • Employee Number

  • Base

  • Seat (Captain or First Officer)

  • A Contact Phone Number (if reaching out via email)

This information helps us address your concern more efficiently and accurately.

We understand that many scheduling issues are time-sensitive; however, please keep in mind that the committee currently consists of only two volunteers. While we strive to respond as quickly as possible, your patience and understanding are appreciated.

Help Wanted: Scheduling Committee Volunteers

At this time, the Scheduling Committee is staffed by just two SFB-based Captains working to support the entire pilot group. We are actively seeking additional volunteers to help serve the needs of our members.

If you’re interested in supporting your fellow pilots and being part of the solution, please email: scheduling@apa2118.org

Scheduling Committee Update: 12-31-24

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As we end the year 2024, we’d like to share a few tips, reminders, and suggestions regarding bidding.

Please remember to place the days you would like to work 1st on your bid.  Whether using the monthly or global list for bidding, we continue to have some pilots wonder why they’re working on a certain day when they bid for it off.  The solver’s priority is to build your schedule and get you into the credit window. If you don’t give it enough days to work with, it will rerun your bid and bypass day off requests.

Plan and bid for a high-value line. Extend your planned work days a few days past your high-value line target.  Also, keep an eye on your FAR limits (easiest in monthly view) since the solver only allows you to bid up to 96 PCH in a 28-day period.

Whether you email or call us, please include your name, seniority number, base, and phone number as all of this information will greatly assist us and speed up the research process.

Lastly, we were made aware of open trips and RAPs not populating properly in open time.  We’ve worked with the company to get the issue resolved.  If any pilots notice this issue again, please alert us so we can get it resolved quickly.

Thank you and cheers to a Happy New Year!

APA 2118 Scheduling Committee