Originally Posted by
Mem9guy
400 may sound like a large number on the surface, but by my rough and very unscientific figures, we probably have around 5000 pilots at DAL that commute. They probably make on average 3.5 commutes per month. This would make it 17,500 commutes per month or 210,000 commutes per year and this does not include flight attendants...
Something else to think about regarding this discussion: The policy is the commuter is to call in if they do not make it on their first flight so they can get the js or positive space on the next flight. Well, consider the situation before and after the new policy for a pilot who does not make it on the primary flight into work:
BEFORE: Pilot has his/her back up flight, sees there are a decent amount of seats on it since he checked it the day prior and makes it in to base as planned; no problems.
AFTER: Pilot has his/her back up flight, again, sees there are a decent amount of seats, but because of the new policy can foresee the scenario where he may possibly not get on the flight. Thus, pilot considers the conversation with the chief pilot when asked, "Why didn't you call in for positive space if you had any doubt?" So, as a result more pilots will call in for PS than you would otherwise have due to the new policy.
Of course, this is not applicable to each situation, but it does reflect a certain percentage of those who use the policy.