Originally Posted by
Whale Driver
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That is the best answer and has worked for me. Both as the operating Captain and when I was begging for a ride.
I once had a pax stick his head in the cockpit and pass a message that there was a pilot in the gate area looking for a ride. I went to the agent at D+2 to 3 mins and we had a 15 min stand off until he was on the plane. Problem solved.
That may have been me. Gate agents didn't want to help me. Said they didn't have time because of a bunch of late connections. Passengers were still boarding and I made eye contact with a guy who gave me a look of sympathy. A few minutes later the CA comes up and tells the agent he's not leaving without me. Best feeling in the world. The gate agents wouldn't look me in the eye or speak to me after that, but I thanked them for their help anyway.
To the guys and gals that come up and check- thank you very much! I always try to pay it forward and make the walk myself. I hope this story is repeated.