Introduction
One of the most misunderstood aspects of an airline pilot’s career is the difference between being on reserve and holding a line. These terms refer to two very different types of schedules that pilots experience throughout their careers — and they can greatly impact your lifestyle, flexibility, and income.
In this post, we’ll break down what it means to be a reserve pilot versus a line holder, how seniority affects your schedule, and what new pilots should expect during their first years on the job.
What Is a Line Holder?
A line holder is a pilot who has a set schedule for the entire month. This schedule — called a bid line — includes all of their flight pairings, days off, layovers, and report times.
✅ Key Features:
- Predictable schedule: know flight days and days off in advance
- Ability to trade or drop trips
- Usually more desirable trips (e.g. longer layovers, better pay)
- More control over your personal life
Example:
Captain Jane holds a line for the month of May. She knows she’s flying Monday through Wednesday each week, with weekends off. Her flights include overnights in Denver and Phoenix.
What Is a Reserve Pilot?
A reserve pilot is essentially on call — ready to report for duty at short notice. Most reserve pilots are assigned a “reserve window” during which they must be able to get to the airport quickly (usually within 2 hours).
✅ Key Features:
- No fixed schedule — you’re called in when needed
- Usually assigned when another pilot calls in sick or a flight is delayed
- Often includes a lot of sitting and waiting (called “airport standby”)
- Less control over time off and personal planning
Example:
First Officer Mike is on reserve from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. He could be called to fly a leg to Chicago at 8:00 AM — or not fly at all that day.
Why Most New Pilots Start on Reserve
In most airlines, seniority determines scheduling. When you’re new, you’re at the bottom of the seniority list, which means you’re unlikely to hold a line — especially in major bases like Dallas or Atlanta.
Over time, as pilots above you retire, change bases, or upgrade to captain, you’ll climb the list and eventually start holding lines more consistently.
🚧 The Reserve Reality for New Pilots:
- Unpredictable days off
- Short-notice assignments
- Often based at less desirable locations
- Harder to plan personal or family events
Transitioning from Reserve to Line Holder
Most pilots start holding lines consistently within 12 to 24 months, depending on:
- Airline growth
- Pilot attrition
- Your base location (busier bases = more competition)
- Whether you’re at a regional or major airline
Tip: Pilots at fast-growing regional airlines may hold a line sooner than those at legacy carriers.
💼 Lifestyle Comparison
| Category | Reserve Pilot | Line Holder |
| Schedule Control | Low | High |
| Pay Consistency | Lower (less flight hours) | Higher (set flight hours) |
| Predictability | Unpredictable day-to-day | Set monthly calendar |
| Flexibility | Limited | High (trip trades, vacation planning) |
| Stress Level | Can be high (last-minute calls) | Lower (know your flights) |
How to Manage Life on Reserve
- Always be packed and ready to go
- Live close to your base if possible (commuting while on reserve is tough)
- Use downtime productively (study, exercise, rest)
- Be mentally flexible — plans can change quickly
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between being on reserve and holding a line is essential for anyone pursuing a pilot career. Your first year or two will likely include a lot of reserve time — but with patience and seniority, you’ll gain more control over your schedule and lifestyle.
Knowing what to expect can make all the difference as you launch your career in the skies.
If you want to explore more about what a Pilot’s schedule look like check out this post “What Does a Pilot’s Schedule Look Like?
Or if you want to learn more about what it takes to become an airline pilot this post walks you through the entire process “How to Become an Airline Pilot: The Complete 7 Step Guide”
