I’ve been here 20 years. In the first four (almost five; I was furloughed), the norm was everyone stayed and said goodbye. Hell, on the 727 in Chicago, we played the “so long/good bye” game....it was about looking for hotties as they deplaned. The loser had to buy the first round!! (TOU prevents me from publishing details here).
Silly games aside, FAs appreciated it, and so did the pax.
Exception: a quick turn to a plane at another gate.
Today: I fly international, 3-man crew usually, and at most stations, the FAs ride in the same bus as us to the hotel.
So I find it odd that guys will be in a hurry to get off the plane....when we still have to wait for the cabin crew and the gendec.
On the return leg: I commute, and often have to sit for an hour or two until my flight. Some guys stay, most don’t. I do...why not?
I say goodbye for the pax. Some could care less, but you can tell some really appreciate it.
The saddest part for me is the surprise from the FAs...that a pilot actually stayed.
That means what I once took for granted has fallen largely by the wayside.
Guys will complain our service doesn’t match other carriers. Lead by example.