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Fast Fact Friday
Advanced Notice DRT (AN-DRT)
Friday, February 6, 2026
Q1: “I’ve looked in the Contract but can’t find the language. What is ‘AN-DRT’ and from where did it stem?”
Advance Notice Daily Release Time (AN-DRT) is a program that was negotiated and implemented as a Letter of Agreement (LOA) between TWU Local 556 and Southwest Airlines during the COVID pandemic to lessen the risk of furloughs and protect Flight Attendant jobs. AN-DRT gives Crew Scheduling the flexibility to review the operation and expected staffing levels and offer DRT slots either two (2) or seven (7) days in advance. An updated LOA was signed on October 1, 2024, ensuring Pink Contract language was accurately applied, while protecting the AN-DRT program and the flexibility it provides our Flight Attendants (and Crew Scheduling).
Q2: “How will I know if AN-DRT is being offered?”
Crew Scheduling will announce either 2- or 7-day AN-DRT slot availability via the CWA messaging system.
Q3: “What is the bidding and awards timeline for AN-DRT slots?”
AN-DRT available slots will be announced and posted no later than 1600 CT either two (2) or seven (7) days before the offered time off. Bidding will close no later than 1700 CT on the same day, resulting in a quick turnaround for awards as well, which will be posted no later than 1800 CT.
Example 1: I have a 3-day pairing starting on February 20, 2026, that I want to attempt to bid for and be awarded AN-DRT. Crew Scheduling would post available 2-day AN-DRT slots no later than 1600 CT on the 18th. AN-DRT bidding would close at 1700 CT on the 18th and be awarded no later than 1800 CT.
Example 2: I have a 3-day Reserve block starting on February 20, 2026, that I want to place a bid for and be awarded AN-DRT. Crew Scheduling would post available 7-day AN-DRT slots no later than 1600 CT on the 13th. AN-DRT bidding would close at 1700 CT on the 13th and be awarded no later than 1800 CT.
If a Flight Attendant believes that there was an error with AN-DRT bid awards, they should contact Crew Scheduling as soon as possible.
Q4: “Can I bid AN-DRT for a partial Reserve block?”
No. AN-DRT slots are for complete pairings and Reserve blocks only. If you would be in the middle of a pairing or Reserve block on the available slot date, you will be ineligible.
Q5: “How do I bid for AN-DRT?”
AN-DRT will be offered and bid for in the DRT portal on CWA.
Bonus Question: “If I am not awarded 2-day or 7-day AN-DRT, will my bid be valid for regular DRT?”
Yes! In the event that you could not hold the 2-day or 7-day AN-DRT, your bid will remain and be eligible for DRT. If Crew Scheduling determines that DRT is needed, and your seniority would hold the DRT slot, you could be awarded regular DRT for your complete pairing or Reserve block.
If you do not want to be awarded DRT, you would need to remove the applicable DRT bid by using the “Remove Selected/All Bid(s)” button. Remember, AN-DRT and DRT is a bid to have a specific date(s) off… and is not associated with a particular assignment.