Originally Posted by
Lambourne
If the bag reaches the cockpit I would always find a spot for it in the cockpit. Unless there was absolutely no room anywhere I would help the omc.
Recently I was going to TK and was boarding zone 4. Asked the capt if I could leave bag in cockpit. He said he didn't have room (a320) Agent tagged and I claimed my bag in DEN. None of us went to jail. No one raised their voice and we all lived happily ever after. It can be done if you don't act like a JA.
Are you going to now use your " Captains Authority" to go to the ramp and oversee the loading of bags/ cargo, back up to the gate to load the passengers, don't forget to send the fuelers the fuel sheet, assure the caterers are there with the correct meals, preflight the cabin and serve the drinks? Or will you allow each employee group the ability to comply with their SOP's. Capts authority is not a dictatorship like some seem to believe. You aren't a congressman. There are repercussions for your actions if you act like a jerk.
I can tell you right now, that if I say to an agent "That's ok, you don't need to check that bag, we will take it in the cockpit", and an agent tells me that it is not my decision, the bag is going in the cockpit. I have had this very issue before. I wasn't there, so I don't know how it was handled, but I'm not going to let a CSR dictate to me where an OMC's bag is going to go.
I'm not saying that I would raise my voice, have physical contact, etc., but the bag is going in the cockpit or the airplane isn't moving.
As for the catering, fueling, etc.... Beats me! I'll get involved if I need to.! If the caterers didnt board required meals, or the fuelers didn't get a fuel increase that I've ordered, then yes I will go out and make sure the situation is fixed. Captains Authority is eroding because we are letting it. Great to know you are looking after our OMC's so well. They are not SA's, they are CREW per the definition.