zachoe

Was out on the ramp the other day and saw a DAL 757 being loaded up for the Georgia Tech game. I don't fly for the airlines, so I was just curious--are charter flights for sports teams (NCAA, NFL, NBA, etc) offered to pilots in bid packs just like it was any other trip line trip? If so, I would imagine that they go pretty senior, yes?

buzzpat

Not necessarily. Charters can be a hassle. Pick ups and drop offs on cargo ramps and away from gates. I just flew the LA Angels to Baltimore. Great guys and great food, but it was not as enjoyable as I'd hoped.

FAULTPUSH

I kind of like the charters every once in a while, mostly because of the reposition legs. It's a bit like the old days when you could just leave the cockpit at will if you needed to use the lavatory, and if you want a drink, you can just go and get one.

cactusmike

I have done the sports charters for the last 20 years. I like the people and I like doing the offline flying.

If the trips are built before the bid comes out then they are in the bid packet. If they are booked after the monthly bid comes out then they are put in open time and anyone can bid on them.

Charters almost always go senior.

acl65pilot

Here at DAL many of the trips are know when they build the trip packet, and therefore integrated in to the trips. Some come up later in the month and are just added to the open time pot.

Wasatch Phantom

I've not done that many, but I noticed a huge difference in the attitude and general demeanor of the teams.

I flew the SF Giants a few years ago. In general they were very rude, especially to the flight attendants, dressed like rap "stars", left the airplane a complete mess. They had an attitude of "entitlement".

I have also flown the Anaheim Ducks. Complete opposite. They were, to a man, very polite and appreciative. They dressed in sport coats/suits with neckties and conducted themselves as gentlemen. They were a pleasure to have and I was impressed with the team.

Though I'm from New England (and a Bruins fan) I was cheering for the Ducks that year in the playoffs as the Bruins didn't make it.

hoserpilot

Thats hockey for ya. We had to wear coats and ties even when we were young teens. If we even thought of being rude the coach would find out. Then we'd be skating lines for the next 1/2 hour. uuhhgggg

Ferd149

I've flown several charters over the years with the old Northwest. I agree with Wasatch, the bust guys were hockey players (vs NFL and MLB, plus stories about NBA). Just down to earth guys with no attitude.

In fact, when I first moved to Dallas years ago, the Stars had their facilities in the area (Valley Ranch) we lived in. Most went home during the off season, but some lived in the area full time and would work out at a gym I haunted. Retired Dallas Cowboys would hang with each other or just be snobs if alone. But, several of the hockey guys would come up and ask if you wanted a "spot" and just chat. Pat Verbek (sp?) known as the "little ball of hate" on the ice was a great guy. Darian Hatcher, big bad defenseman/capt, ate dinner out at several places around the neighborhood with his wife and kids. You could tell by his interaction with him he was just a great dad. Brett Hull was on numerous flights with me commuting up to MSP (his kids were in Duluth), great guy.

I missed all those guys when the Stars moved to the other side of town. I never played hockey and know very little about the game, but I'm a huge Stars fan just from my interaction with several players.

Ferd

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GW258

Anyone out there remember "Charter Connie"?

syd111

Have done many charters over the years, football, baseball and hockey. Never had a problem with any of them. Players coaches and extras always professional and usually just eating, resting, card games or ipods.