Originally Posted by
BobbyLeeSwagger
Again, I fly planned speeds more or less, and I don't often wait for a gate. When I do, it's not long and we usually get in early which is good for everyone. When we wait a long time, it's usually because of some other reason (mx delay, rolling delays jacking up gate timing). ATC can handle it, there's plenty of room on the west side if we cant hold behind H & I..
We are not suppose to arrive early in lax as in don't block out earlier than allowed. If I block out on time, fly planned speeds, then there is no problem with arriving early, think of the circus people are greeted to when we arrive at the box... Buses, confusing signage, unclear baggage claim info, etc.. If I can get them on their way 15-20 minutes sooner, especially for the international pax, many who have limited English skills, it's a win for them. If I have a mx write up in lax, the extra time is helpful.. AA cafeteria burrito run, so many reasons to get that extra time. I've never or rarely had to wait for a gate at a non-hub outstation.
I'll raise the ante even more.. I also like to board early when there is opportunity. Gives us more time in case there is an issue.. No one has to rush, and we can block out 5-10 min early
My favorite victory/penalty lap at CPZ was FAT. That FAT-LAX flight always had a ton of padding in it. Plus you could ask for your own wheels up time at that tower. Since it seems that ATC doesn't ever give you earlier than asked wheels up times by a minute or two, I would always ask for a wheels up at D-0 since I knew the ground personnel were quick. Usually you'd end up with a wheels up time of D+5-8 which would work perfectly for a quick taxi. I did have one time where ATC said "your wheels up is D-0" (as I requested). Told the station to hustle and they did! I always was at the gate 30 early on those flights.
Speaking of being early, I had a streak where for the last 6 weeks as a FO before I upgraded, the latest I blocked in on go home leg was 7 minutes EARLY. Yes, early. And yes, this was when Delta was on the south side and it was a combination of 50/50 Delta/American trips. All that promptly disappeared when I upgraded to the left seat though.
