Just to clear the air a bit FLYBYNITE, I was not addressing you per se, but this entire thread of ingratitude. Anyone reading this would think that Pinnacle pilots are a bunch of inconsiderate bastiges, as nothing could be farther from the truth. What concerns me is a perception by others that the average Pinnacle pilot doesn’t care or isn’t concerned that a jumpseater gets on or not.
Worth noting is that the pilots have likely become anesthetized by the past, current, and continued operational challenges from the CRJ platform and managerial assaults. To tanker fuel and deny cargo or ANY passengers (i.e. to knowingly place the aircraft in a ‘weight critical’ situation) is erroneous at best. This problem is very difficult to correct once any over-fuel is loaded because de-fueling is a near impossibility for this company. So if a passenger is also left behind, things are not looking good for non-revenue.
I would have given you at least my apologies and a heads up if I was operating the flight, as any upright person should. Maybe he was having a bad day, forgot, or got distracted. Heck, I’ll even fight to make sure the seat is available for you. But if the dispatcher screws the pooch and fuel is loaded, it’s a tough situation.
There is a battle going on - with all carriers and their jumpseats. We all need to work together and protect this or we all suffer.
In closing, no pilot group has 100% jumpseat-mindful pilots at all times, and lets be honest – I’ve had the pleasure of riding FE many times, and you guys have your share of sociopaths over there too! For a while, I thought it was a requirement!