Airlocum sends booking requests in strategic waves to fill shifts quickly while giving the best-matched locums priority.
Understanding how the wave system works — and how to get into earlier waves — will increase your chances of securing shifts.
How the Waves Work
Urgent bookings (0–3 hours’ notice)
1st wave → First 10 top-ranked locums notified immediately
Every minute after → +8 more locums until the shift is filled
Standard bookings (more than 3 hours away)
1st wave → First 10 top-ranked locums notified immediately
Every minute after → +4 more locums until the shift is filled
Once a locum accepts, the booking closes instantly and no more notifications are sent.
Why You Might Miss Out
You were notified in a later wave and someone in an earlier wave accepted first
Another locum responded faster
The shift filled before you clicked Accept
How You’re Ranked for Wave Priority
Our algorithm considers:
Distance from the practice
Reliability score – aim for 90%+
Star rating – aim for 4.5+
Engagement – using the Check-In feature when travelling to shifts
Higher scores = earlier notifications = better chances of securing shifts.
How to Know If You Got the Shift
✅ Success:
Instant confirmation pop-up on your screen
Confirmation SMS and email
Shift appears in your Bookings section
❌ Missed:
Message says “This shift has been filled by another locum”
How to Get Into Earlier Waves
Maintain a high reliability score (90%+)
Keep your star rating above 4.5
Respond quickly to booking requests
Use the Check-In feature when heading to shifts
Add Airlocum to your phone’s home screen for faster access
Bottom line:
The better your performance, ratings, and response time, the earlier you’ll be notified - and the more shifts you’ll secure.
