Dear SIA Member,
SIA is pleased to announce that the programming to allow Reserve Flight Attendants to automatically initiate a trade of Reserve Availability Periods (RAPs) in SkedPlus+ is complete. For the first time ever, Reserve Flight Attendants will have this automated capability, and we are thrilled to extend this quality of life benefit! Prior to this addition, Reserve Flight Attendants have only been able to trade RAPs manually by calling Crew Support. This new SkedPlus+ feature will allow Reserves to do automated trades that are within legalities and current policy.
Beginning March 25, 2016 (0900 MT), Reserve Flight Attendants will be able to trade RAPs with other Reserve Flight Attendants in the same domicile. Please refer to the policy provided here for complete details. Additionally, you can review the additions to the SkedPlus+ User Guide. The document outlines how this new feature works, and includes screen shots and instructions.
Please review the Q & A below for more information and if you have any additional questions ‘Talk to SIA’ at www.oursia.org or 855.2.OURSIA.
Thank you,
Your SIA Team
Q & A
1. How many RAPs can a Reserve Flight Attendant trade in one transaction?
A Reserve Flight Attendant can trade up to an entire work block in the same transaction provided that they are trading with someone else for the same number of days and the transaction meets all legality and requirements in the policy.
2. Can a Reserve Flight Attendant trade a block of RAPs for a pairing in Open Time?
No. Reserve Flight Attendants may only trade RAPs for other RAPs within the same domicile.
3. When can a Reserve Flight Attendant begin to trade RAPs for the following bid period?
Reserve Flight Attendants will have the ability to trade RAPS in the same domicile for the April bid period on March 25th at 0900. This will remain the same for each bid period hereafter - beginning on the 25th of each month at 0900 MT for the following bid period (i.e. April 25th for May RAPs).
4. Will Composite Line Holders still have the ability to adjust their schedules on the 23rd at 2000MT with the Line Holders?
Yes. Composite Line Holders will have access to SkedPlus+ for schedule adjustments on the 23rd of each month at 2000MT, just as today for awarded pairings. However, any awarded RAPs on a Composite Line Holder’s schedule cannot be traded until the 25th of each month at 0900MT, along with all other Reserve Flight Attendants.
5. Can a Reserve Flight Attendant based in ORD trade a RAP with a Reserve Flight Attendant based in MSP?
No. Just as today, Reserve Flight Attendants may only trade RAPs within their assigned domicile.
6. Why do Reserve Flight Attendants have to wait until 9 am MT on the 25th of the month to start trading RAPs for the following bid period?
Line Holder Flight Attendants may begin to adjust their schedules on the 23rd at 2000MT, followed on the 24th at 2000MT by the Pilots. In an effort to not compromise SkedPlus+ functionality and ensure the best possible outcome and timeliness of all transactions, Reserve Flight Attendants may begin to adjust their schedules on the 25th at 0900MT.
7. Why can’t a Reserve Flight Attendant trade a RAP inside the 5 day window?
Per policy, assignments can be given to Reserve Flight Attendants up to 5 days (120 hours) prior to the assignment (SP2318 3.C.). Because of this, RAP trades will not be permitted within the 5 day window in order to maintain the integrity of the bucket and avoid possible breeches in Reserve Flight Attendant seniority.
8. Can Reserve Flight Attendants still call Crew Support to trade RAPs within the 5 day window?
No. All trades must take place outside the 5 day window (120 hours).
9. Can a Reserve Flight Attendant trade a RAP with another Reserve Flight Attendant who has a trip on the same day as the RAP?
No. Only RAPs may be traded, same as today.
10. Can a Reserve Flight Attendant ‘pick up’ a posted RAP?
No. RAPs can only be viewed for the purpose of trading. Reserve Flight Attendants must still maintain 19 duty days per month [SP2317 7.C.2)c)].
