Originally Posted by
captscott26
First- Dont be scared to step out of the cockpit and have a friendly conversation. You may be suprised how much a pilot with a smile can alter the experience of a passenger who has been through the ringer with security, gate agents, delays, etc.
Its not about being scared. I stand outside the cockpit with my newly pressed uniform and a smile on my face.
Me:"Welcome Aboard Sir!"
PAX#1:"How do you work for this SH!TTY Company"
Me:"Hi, How ya doing?"
PAX#2:"You and your airline just ruined my vacation!"
Me:"Hello"
PAX#3:"Give me a number to call for complaints! I paid 15 extra bucks for an aisle seat, and they gave me a middle seat. Now they won't give me my money back"
Me: (Im still smiling) "How are you?"
PAX#4:"TERRIBLE!"
Wow! 140 more passengers to board! I think I'll go sit in the cockpit.
My first PA to the PAX:" Well folks Im terribly sorry, but we have no drinks or snacks for purchase because catering never came. And managment doesn't care. They want us on time. Oh and by the way, theres no toilet paper."
Thats why I stay in the cockpit.
Now I may sound a little harsh and disgruntled, but this is an average day for me. This management blows.