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Old 09-30-2007, 02:16 PM
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MacGuy2
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Joined APC: Jun 2007
Position: Couch Potato
Posts: 470
Default Mid-trip DH...Buyer Beware

This is a copy of a letter I've just sent to the ALPA SIG, ALPA Contract Enforcement, ALPA Block Rep., Company SIG and my ACP. Just a head's up to anyone else who ends up with one of these "good deals."
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Gentlemen,

My name is Larry Smith, I am a Memphis Airbus Captain. In the October bid
month I have a pairing 468 on 08October and again on 22October. In that
pairing is a mid-trip DH from OAK to LAX. The DH follows flight 3015 from
EWR to OAK. The DH is authorized to be in first class because the total
block time of the live leg and the DH exceeds 5 hours. The flight is booked
on UA 6515 from OAK to LAX and departs after 3+08 wait in OAK.

The problem here is that there is NO first class on this flight. This
aircraft is a Bombardier CRJ-200 which is in a total coach configuration. In
other words there is NO possibility of first class, or any class above coach
on this flight. In fact, further research reveals there are NO first class
non-stop seats between OAK and LAX.

It seems to me that if the CBA authorizes a first class seat, recognizing
that after an extended block time, being squeezed into a coach class seat
(especially on an RJ) is an undue burden, then the DH should be booked and
confirmed in a first class seat as per the CBA. If there are no carriers
providing first class or an upgraded class of service, then the pairing
should be revised to delete the DH. This is either a blatant attempt to
circumvent the CBA or is significant negligence on the part of airline
scheduling and Global Travel to let this "slide" by.

I think this pairing should be revised to either delete the DH or the DH
should be booked on some other carrier that provides first class, even if it
means travel via another city--I can always deviate. At least the CBA is not
blatantly disregarded.

Sincerely,

Larry Smith
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