How Are Pilots' Schedules Assigned? Most airlines use a seniority-based line bid system to assign flight schedules. In this method, the airline creates a numbered list of schedules. Each schedule is called a “line.” Pilots look through the schedules and rank them based on their order of preference.

Pilots do not "choose" their schedules in the traditional sense; instead, they participate in a monthly "Bidding Process" where seniority is everything. Every month, the airline publishes a list of available "lines" (schedules) and "reserve" (on-call) slots. Pilots submit their preferences for specific routes, days off, or layover cities through a Preferential Bidding System (PBS). The system then awards schedules starting from the most senior pilot down to the most junior. High-seniority pilots can effectively choose to have every weekend off or fly only international long-haul routes. Junior pilots, however, often end up with "the leftovers," which usually involves a Reserve schedule, meaning they must be ready to fly on short notice to cover for sick colleagues. As a pilot gains years at a specific airline and "base," their ability to control their quality of life through the bid increases significantly.