Originally Posted by
tsquare
What is highlighted in red is absolutely correct. I disagree with the rest. While you don't have to be a tour guide, it doesn't hurt to provide a little information, and to let them know there is a living breathing human being at the controls of the airplane. It is customer service. Many seem to have forgotten that is the business in which we work.
I think human nature causes those who appreciate the information from the cockpit to be overtly complimentary and for those that don't care for it to remain silent. Something along the lines of "if you have nothing nice to say..." So, my take is that most people in the back have flow plenty and just want to get where they are going on time. They only want to know if something is going to delay them or affect them. The push for us to be more communicative is based on incomplete information. If you believe in the idea of treat other people how you want to be treated, ask yourself how much you care about what the pilots have to say when you deadhead. For me, it is an unwelcome distraction.
That being said, the bottom line is this: say whatever you want to say. You are a pilot and have earn the right to 'do the pilot thing'.