What payment does a pilot receive for voluntarily dropping a trip?

When a pilot voluntarily drops a trip, the payment they receive is typically based on the greater of the pay for the trip that was dropped or the new trip they pick up. This policy serves to motivate pilots to manage their schedules flexibly while ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their time and effort.

In situations where a pilot drops a trip, it’s important to note that they're not penalized in terms of pay, and instead, the structure allows them to receive compensation equivalent to or greater than what they would have earned had they completed their original assignment. This means that if the new trip offers more hours or a higher rate than the trip they dropped, the pilot is entitled to that better compensation. Conversely, if the dropped trip was more lucrative than what they later take on, they will still get paid for that original trip. This approach creates fairness and incentivizes pilots to adapt their schedules within operational needs without financial loss.