CAL traditionally did not flight plan in the area designated by corporate real-estate as flight operations (where the Chief pilot’s offices are). We had WX rooms (FPAs with actual humans that printed our flight plans out etc and where computers and stand up desks/chart tables like you see today at IAH/EWR). UAL, due to a standoff with airport operations (Pete McDonald) only had flight planning areas within the designated real estate allotment for flight operations. It was the norm (as it is now in those domiciles as stated in the FOM) to meet there and flight plan, chit chat etc before walking down to the gate. CAL pilots only went down to flight operations to check v-files or see someone in the CPO about something. Schedules could be checked/computer training available and lounges were present in the “CPO” but meeting the other pilots on the trip for flight related activities occurred on the concourse level “WX Rooms”. FOs used to be required to sign the release on the first flight of the trip. The releases were printed out by the WX room staff (much like the DORs in UAL flight ops) and placed in the turn table. The FO would normally arrive early (domestic) and review the printed flight papers, sign the release, return the release back into the turntable and proceed to the gate if the captain was not there. Captain would arrive, pull the papers, look for signature of FO as a way of confirming that he/she was 1. At the airport 2. Okay with the release/fuel/MEL if any etc. and review/sign, leave copy of signed release with rep and proceed to the gate. Long haul crews did the planning together like we do today.