Do pilots get to choose their routes?

Do Pilots Get to Choose Their Routes?

The short answer is: to a degree, yes. It’s a complex system, more akin to a monthly auction than a simple pick-and-choose scenario. While pilots don’t have complete free reign over their flight paths, they do have a say in the routes they fly, thanks to a bidding system based on seniority.

Pilot schedules are typically generated a month in advance, outlining the various routes and destinations the airline needs covered. These schedules aren’t simply handed down from management; instead, pilots actively participate in shaping their monthly workload. They submit their preferences for specific routes, aircraft types, and even days off through a bidding process.

This is where seniority comes into play. Think of it like a draft system in professional sports. The most senior pilots, those with the longest tenure at the airline, get first dibs on the available routes. They’re more likely to secure their preferred schedules, whether it’s a desirable international route, a specific type of aircraft, or simply a schedule that maximizes their time off.

As the bidding process continues, the remaining routes are allocated to less senior pilots based on their rank. While junior pilots may not always get their first choices, the system allows them to express their preferences and potentially secure desirable routes as they gain seniority. This system acknowledges and rewards experience while also providing a degree of flexibility and agency for all pilots.

The bidding system isn’t perfect, of course. Operational needs always take precedence. Unexpected events, like mechanical issues or weather disruptions, can lead to last-minute changes regardless of a pilot’s preferred schedule. Furthermore, the more popular routes are often highly competitive, even amongst senior pilots.

However, the bidding system offers a level of control and predictability not found in many other professions. It allows pilots to influence their work-life balance, pursue specific career goals, and, to some extent, choose the routes they fly. It’s a system that acknowledges the demanding nature of the profession and seeks to provide pilots with some agency over their careers in the skies.