Originally Posted by
LumberJack
Walk up and politely change the subject. If that doesn't work, politely ask them to stop. If that doesn't work, give up and tell someone about it later. If your relationship at this point is such that it will affect your ability to communicate during flight, call the chief and boot them or yourself from the trip.
This is a scenario straight from the new hire interview. Use some tact and don't be an a hole. Captains this is your job at all times in uniform. FO's without CA around. On or off the plane. Including the hotel lobby.
Bottom line is don't be jerk and be safe. Treat everyone with respect, even when they don't respect themselves.
If you need to do some extra work on your day off, God forbid, just do it. It's part of the profession.
Or... just head over to Chick Fil-A and chat up the cashier. More interesting and less hazardous to your career. Plus they have waffle fries, which are totally amazing with Catchup. Katsup. Whatever, it's the bomb. And they have lemonade which is also cool. The flight isn't leaving without ya so get what you need for that next leg. Don't worry about the FAs, they will be chowing down the whole way to Whateverville while you cross your legs waiting for that potty break and bag of smashed pretzels. The only political discussion should be whether you believe the bourgeois peasants in the back deserve APU air prior to D5.