Hola dhc2window -
xxx
You are correct for flight play with some airlines.
With PanAm, we were paid - the greatest of -
(a) Published scheduled flight time in OAG, or
(b) Actual elapsed block to block time.
xxx
ACARS or not, departure time remains the time given verbally to departure station.
The aircraft log sheet carries these times, DEP OUT/OFF, ARR ON/IN.
These 4 numbers are our official records, as kept by F/E, signed by captain.
They give you "block time" for pay, and "air time" for maintenance.
xxx
Happy contrails