Today, February 28th, is my last scheduled Day Off in my Reserve month. Tomorrow, I start my final block of 3 duty days before I begin flying my March schedule to Amsterdam on the 4th.
Given all that information...
Do you think I'll fly this month?
Friday, February 28, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
TONY: Rats! They found me.
I have been dutifully checking my schedule in CCS every night at 9pm, as directed by my peers, for my "acknowledgements" from Crew Scheduling. As of the 23rd of the month, I've received 3: all the same, all re-confirming that I am Call-Out G and on duty the following day from 1100 until 1900.
It was always the same. Until last night, that is. Although I'm not a fan of the phrasing,
"Sh!t just got real!'
Shortly after 2100, I realized that I hadn't yet checked for an acknowledgement coming from my 2 scheduled days off. So, I picked up the ipad and signed on to CCS. I couldn't believe my eyes! "AAA/0555" (Airport Alert at 5:55am). Was this some kind of cruel joke? It seems a little unreal, in light of the way the month has gone thusfar. How could I be assigned something so radically different and never even have to answer the phone? (The last time I sat Reserve, in 1984, we had no computer, no cell phone and very few people had beepers. The "mechanics" of reserve were totally different.)
Every duty day this month, I've had everything packed and ready "to go to work" at 1100: clothes, food, toiletries, medications, etc. Since we're approaching the end of the month, I suppose I'd been lulled into a false sense of security, a false "reality" that I wasn't going ANYWHERE in February. When I saw my AAA assignment, the adrenalin went from "time for bed" to DEFCON 5 in an instant.
My "travel yogurt" expired on 2/17 (who knew?), my pill case had 2 days-worth of supply, the PB&J I'd packed (great shelf-life) before leaving to help Mom in Atlanta was, in a word, disgusting, my bedraggled beard needed a trim and the shaved parts of my face needed attention that would be perilous at 0330. In short, all the things I normally accomplished in preparation for the 1100 start of my regular duty period had to be done ASAP and I had to get to bed...FAST. Well, as adrenalin will tend to do, it aids in getting the job done but isn't very conducive to sleep. I was in bed by 2205. I was still WIDE AWAKE at 0008!
Of course, when the alarm sounded at 0340, I was just getting comfortable in my REM sleep, the deepest and most restful phase of the sleep cycle. A not-so-friendly elbow to the ribs said that I was the only one NOT responding to the clock. Here's what I remember:
0340 wake up, coffee, shower, dress, trip-over-the-dog-in-the-dark-so-as-not-to-disturb
0417 out the door (approaching the employee parking lot, a herd of 8 deer appear in the fog and mist, peacefully grazing between the road and lot. Shouldn't I be grateful for the opportunity to appreciate this rare bit of natural serenity?)
0515 crew room: Wow, there are Supervisors at the duty desk at this hour! I sign a piece of paper and check in with CS on the "bat phone".
"Thank you, Tony. I'll release you to your cell phone now."
"Wow, thanks J. Are you releasing me to get something to eat or for the whole 4 hours?"
"No. You're released to your cell phone for your whole AAA assignment."
0641 The Osaka crew came and went. Guess I'm also good to cover the Narita trip before I go off duty at 0955 (and probably some Latin America trips, as well).
I keep running into folks who want to stop and chat; some old friends, some new friends (nice to meet you, Jo Palmer!), some just curious about what I'm doing here. As traumatic as my short night and early wake-up have been, it's just another cog in the wheel, another piece in the puzzle of my reserve experiement. I wouldn't trade it for anything...(well maybe for a few more hours of sleep).
0810 Using my time wisely: I spoke to Elizabeth H, my union Grievance Chairperson, about how my request to reinstate duty days to make-up for my EDNP was handled earlier this week. After a phone call "downtown", we decided that a grievance is in order and the process has started (I should have been allowed to make-up for 2 of the 3 lost days per the contract and that's what I'm asking for as relief.)
0910 My friend Debrah Davis checks in for NRT and the crew room comes ALIVE! Congratulations Debra on your 35th Anniversary with the company! (As I took my turn to put my arm around her for a photo, I asked Debrah, "Girl, have you lost your mind flying a 6-day?"
Without skipping a beat, she looked at me straight-faced and replied, "Chaser Baby!" (she's flying the 3-day "load" position).
If my phone doesn't ring for another 45 minutes, or so, this will have been quite a fun little adventure. I've seen faces that I haven't seen in years. What an interesting place the IAH Crew Room can be.
0955:02 "Scheduling, this is I."
"Hi, I. This is XX93 Tango. Can I go back to bed now?"
"Why would you want to do that? You're already up now."
"You guys shanghaied me with this. I wasn't prepared. You aren't going to do it to me again, tomorrow. Are you?"
"No. I swear. Go back to bed."
"Thanks I. Laters..."
What are the chances that tomorrow's gooing to be like Groundhog Day (0555 AAA all over again)?
Sunday, February 23, 2014
TONY: Reserve Lost Time Make-Up (5-45.19)
I posted the following message in a couple of Reserve-oriented Facebook groups knowing that if anyone had insight, THAT's where I'd find it:
"Wasn't ready for this...
I got back from my family emergency today, 2 days early (a GOOD thing), and have 2 scheduled days off (SU/MO). I call CS to attempt to convert at least 1 of those days to duty so that I can make up some of the time I lost for my Emergency Drops (3 duty days @4 hours each) and was told that there's no way to do that.
Asked for a supervisor and received the same answer, "per the contract". So, my guarantee stands at 71 hours (3 lost duty days) and I'll be in Houston and available but can't make up the lost time.
Shouldn't the contract be flexible enough to allow lost time "make-up", as long as the F/A stays within duty limits?"
Within minutes, I received the feedback I'd been looking for...on BOTH groups! The Flight Attendant contract does, in fact, address this very situation:
"p. 5-45:
19. Subject to Company agreement, a reserve flight attendant who loses a duty day(s) due to illness, injury or emergency drop will be allowed to make up the lost day(s) on her/his remaining day(s) off that month. The day(s) on which the make-up occurs is subject to mutual agreement. When a lost day is made up in this manner four hours (4:00) will be returned to the flight attendant’s reserve guarantee."
So, I called CS again and asked to speak to a supervisor. Luckily, the SAME supervisor who had perfunctorily dismissed my earlier request was still on duty. When I referred her to the appropriate section of the contract, she excused her earlier mistake with, "Oh, I am sub-UA..." But because time "make-up" requires mutual agreement and only had 2 days where I could "legally" make-up the time, she had to consult coverage numbers AND email the sCO contract expert on how to implement this policy. She committed to have an answer before her shift ended at 2200.
And she did. Shortly before 2200, she phoned to say that 79 Reserves are already on for Sunday and over 100 for Monday, so my request would be denied.
Oh well, it was worth a try. This issue should be addressed in a future contract. The Reserve could be financially devastated without means to make-up the lost time.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
TONY: Home Again
Returning home from ATL for my final 2 Reserve duty periods (3 days each), I'm reminded how capricious our vagabond life can be. My intention was to remain in Atlanta with my Mom (eventhough we learned yesterday that she was "out of the woods" and well on her way to meaningful recovery) until my Dad's birthday on Monday. Fate deems otherwise: all flights ATL/IAH both Sunday and Monday are chockablock full on UA and DL. Having been afforded the opportunity to fulfill my familial duties while on Reserve, I'm just not the sort to push the envelope and not make it home to fulfill my duty requirements which start again on Tuesday morning. To put it in 21st century parlance, "that's just not how I roll."
Generationally, my current-day Reserve colleagues and I couldn't be more different, for the most part. Generally speaking, we are at distinctly different "times of life", with a few exceptions. I am at the age where aging parents are likely to fall seriously ill, suffer a serious accident, or worse. Most of my Reserve peers are at the age where their parents are just approaching MY age! It's a monumental difference that, I think, makes the Reserve Life a little less traumatic for the young ones (many likely relish the thought of escaping the proximity of their parents, at least for a while.)
To face the definitive conclusion of the definitive interpersonal relationship is life-altering. To face it while attempting to navigate the vagaries of Reserve is incomprehensible, at least to me. This trip home and the compromises required to make it while on Reserve, have convinced me that any long-term prospect of Reserve duty at this stage of my life would be a "deal-breaker", significant enough to make me consider other employment, even after 30 years of service. But perhaps my relationship with my family is unique; I can only speak for myself.
I learned yesterday that I will be back to flying 3-day trips in March, to Amsterdam. I'm already back to the old cycle of looking to add a trip here, deduct one there, just as though the reserve experiment weren't still in progress. Interestingly, my first Amsterdam in March is on the 4th which is the 1st day of the March bid month. I have a 3-day Reserve duty period 3/1, 2 & 3. So, the potential for a month-to-month conflict is significant.
Beyond my schedule, I'm looking to bring my Mom to AMS with me next month, while the loads permit. Big illnesses can be deflating, moreso to someone of an advanced age. If they are fit enough, it's important to remind them that life isn't over until it's over.
Don't squander what you have. Tomorrow may surprise you by taking it away.
Generationally, my current-day Reserve colleagues and I couldn't be more different, for the most part. Generally speaking, we are at distinctly different "times of life", with a few exceptions. I am at the age where aging parents are likely to fall seriously ill, suffer a serious accident, or worse. Most of my Reserve peers are at the age where their parents are just approaching MY age! It's a monumental difference that, I think, makes the Reserve Life a little less traumatic for the young ones (many likely relish the thought of escaping the proximity of their parents, at least for a while.)
To face the definitive conclusion of the definitive interpersonal relationship is life-altering. To face it while attempting to navigate the vagaries of Reserve is incomprehensible, at least to me. This trip home and the compromises required to make it while on Reserve, have convinced me that any long-term prospect of Reserve duty at this stage of my life would be a "deal-breaker", significant enough to make me consider other employment, even after 30 years of service. But perhaps my relationship with my family is unique; I can only speak for myself.
I learned yesterday that I will be back to flying 3-day trips in March, to Amsterdam. I'm already back to the old cycle of looking to add a trip here, deduct one there, just as though the reserve experiment weren't still in progress. Interestingly, my first Amsterdam in March is on the 4th which is the 1st day of the March bid month. I have a 3-day Reserve duty period 3/1, 2 & 3. So, the potential for a month-to-month conflict is significant.
Beyond my schedule, I'm looking to bring my Mom to AMS with me next month, while the loads permit. Big illnesses can be deflating, moreso to someone of an advanced age. If they are fit enough, it's important to remind them that life isn't over until it's over.
Don't squander what you have. Tomorrow may surprise you by taking it away.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
TONY: Complications of Reserve
During my Dad's 3 year decline (he passed on Labor Day, 2012), I was frequently with he and my Mom in ATL. Doctor visits, exotic treatments, help around the house, help administering care and just the ability to be with two of the most important people in my life during the time that they NEEDED me most, were the very tangible benefits of my job as a lineholding Flight Attendant. Holding, trading, dropping, and picking up just the right trips allowed me the freedom to be where I needed to be, when I needed to be there.
Now, my Mom has a potentially life-threatening condition (blood clots in her lung and leg) which required hospitalization last week and convalescence at home for up to the next 6 months, the first 1 to 2 months of which will be critical. My situation and the ability to be of tangible help is VERY much impaired by my Reserve status. For example, in order to relieve my brother who's been providing 24/7 care since Mom's hospitalization, I am bridging my 2 periods of DAYS OFF with 3 duty days for which my supervisor is allowing emergency drops, without pay. I did make furtive attempts to manipulate my scheduled days off by trading with the "pool" but was unsuccessful. Even if I had been successful, the result would have been a "drop in the bucket" compared to the level of need for my time.
As a lineholder, my ability to successfully address this personal scheduling situation would be very much different, as it will be when I return to LH status in March. Moreover, the financial impact to do "the right thing" is potentially enormous! In order to bridge my days off to allow 6 consecutive days for me to care for Mom, I'm losing 12 hours from my 83 hour guarantee. (Lest anyone get the wrong idea, I am very much prepared for this eventuality financially. I undertook this "reserve experiment" with the foreknowledge that anything can happen, literally. I planned for it and am prepared. Imagine the potentially disastrous impact on someone who is not prepared and doesn't have the prospect of a "regular schedule" to fall back on in the coming months.)
As our family members age, it's inescapable that we find ourselves questioning their ability to press on under their own steam. Even if physical health is good, it's difficult to determine the level at which their faculties are functioning: 100%? It's much more likely some percentage LESS than that! The more time we spend together, the better able we are to assess. While the need to be vigilant is there, so is the need to allow aging family to live their own lives independently, if possible. Love isn't just being there when needed, it's having the sense and courtesy to NOT be there if unwarranted.
So, here we are! I'm on Day 19 of my February Reserve Experiment and have just finished the second of my two multi-day, large exposure duty blocks. Other than CQ, I have had NO assignments, thusfar. I have three 3-day duty periods remaining, the first of which has been dropped EDNP (Emergency Drop, No Pay). I suppose that it's possible I will be used in the remaining two blocks, especially as CS begins to "level" toward month's end. Of course, now my March bid takes on new importance as I plan my return to ATL.
The trip to ATL this morning provided a reminder of just how unsettling it can be to travel under these circumstances. From my Facebook timeline:
"The beauty of choice...
Upon landing in ATL, I learn that the oversold RJ (with 23 stand-bys) which was scheduled to depart at 0715 will now leave at 1100.
Glad I'm already here!"
Now, my Mom has a potentially life-threatening condition (blood clots in her lung and leg) which required hospitalization last week and convalescence at home for up to the next 6 months, the first 1 to 2 months of which will be critical. My situation and the ability to be of tangible help is VERY much impaired by my Reserve status. For example, in order to relieve my brother who's been providing 24/7 care since Mom's hospitalization, I am bridging my 2 periods of DAYS OFF with 3 duty days for which my supervisor is allowing emergency drops, without pay. I did make furtive attempts to manipulate my scheduled days off by trading with the "pool" but was unsuccessful. Even if I had been successful, the result would have been a "drop in the bucket" compared to the level of need for my time.
As a lineholder, my ability to successfully address this personal scheduling situation would be very much different, as it will be when I return to LH status in March. Moreover, the financial impact to do "the right thing" is potentially enormous! In order to bridge my days off to allow 6 consecutive days for me to care for Mom, I'm losing 12 hours from my 83 hour guarantee. (Lest anyone get the wrong idea, I am very much prepared for this eventuality financially. I undertook this "reserve experiment" with the foreknowledge that anything can happen, literally. I planned for it and am prepared. Imagine the potentially disastrous impact on someone who is not prepared and doesn't have the prospect of a "regular schedule" to fall back on in the coming months.)
As our family members age, it's inescapable that we find ourselves questioning their ability to press on under their own steam. Even if physical health is good, it's difficult to determine the level at which their faculties are functioning: 100%? It's much more likely some percentage LESS than that! The more time we spend together, the better able we are to assess. While the need to be vigilant is there, so is the need to allow aging family to live their own lives independently, if possible. Love isn't just being there when needed, it's having the sense and courtesy to NOT be there if unwarranted.
So, here we are! I'm on Day 19 of my February Reserve Experiment and have just finished the second of my two multi-day, large exposure duty blocks. Other than CQ, I have had NO assignments, thusfar. I have three 3-day duty periods remaining, the first of which has been dropped EDNP (Emergency Drop, No Pay). I suppose that it's possible I will be used in the remaining two blocks, especially as CS begins to "level" toward month's end. Of course, now my March bid takes on new importance as I plan my return to ATL.
The trip to ATL this morning provided a reminder of just how unsettling it can be to travel under these circumstances. From my Facebook timeline:
"The beauty of choice...
An oversold 50-seat regional jet which 24 hours ago had 30 open seats (explaining the 23 stand-bys)
OR
An empty Airbus where eager-to-please staff assign one an empty row in Economy Comfort?
Both depart and arrive within 5 minutes of each other. Hmmmm.
I'll select the option that represents the least stress and anxiety and be thankful to have the choice.
Glad I'm already here!"
Sunday, February 16, 2014
TONY: EDNP
My Mom's health scare-related hospital stay has come to an end. My brother took her home over the weekend and has been staying with her round-the-clock ever since. She was diagnosed with 2 blood clots in her right lung and 1 in her right leg. The fact that she survived long enough to be diagnosed and have treatment started means that she'll likely recover...but at a cost. Mom will be taking daily blood-thinning injections in her abdomen and oral blood thinners for the next few weeks and will require frequent doctor visits and blood tests (to monitor the effects of the treatment.) She's 75 years old, will need help at home (just north of ATL) and I have only the one sibling. So....
My supervisor has offered to grant Emergency Drops/No Pay for the duty days that I need to take off to support my Mom and relieve my brother of sole responsibility. To have my support be of any real significance, I need to be with her for a week or so, to start. In looking at the remainder of my Reserve schedule for February, I've decided that my best course of action is to "bridge" 2 sets of days off by having my Supervisor EDNP a string of 3 duty days between my upcoming single day off and the following block of 2 off, giving me 6 off in a row. Although I'm still waiting for Payroll to verify it, I'm guessing I'll lose 12 hours from my 83 hour Reserve guarantee to do so (4 hours for each of the 3 duty days missed).
This situation would be MUCH more manageable as a Lineholder as I could trip-trade and/or pick-up time later in the month to minimize the impact of the time off. As it stands, I suppose I'll end the month with 71 hours rather than 83.
Oh well, the "unforeseen" is one reason I chose to do this experiement during Profit Sharing month!
My supervisor has offered to grant Emergency Drops/No Pay for the duty days that I need to take off to support my Mom and relieve my brother of sole responsibility. To have my support be of any real significance, I need to be with her for a week or so, to start. In looking at the remainder of my Reserve schedule for February, I've decided that my best course of action is to "bridge" 2 sets of days off by having my Supervisor EDNP a string of 3 duty days between my upcoming single day off and the following block of 2 off, giving me 6 off in a row. Although I'm still waiting for Payroll to verify it, I'm guessing I'll lose 12 hours from my 83 hour Reserve guarantee to do so (4 hours for each of the 3 duty days missed).
This situation would be MUCH more manageable as a Lineholder as I could trip-trade and/or pick-up time later in the month to minimize the impact of the time off. As it stands, I suppose I'll end the month with 71 hours rather than 83.
Oh well, the "unforeseen" is one reason I chose to do this experiement during Profit Sharing month!
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