saab2000

Just a word, your gate agents in ORF are leaving jumpseaters behind.

In the past month I have been left behind twice by Delta (Delta Global I think.....) gate agents. Both times were a bit tight but within reason.

The first time I was told the flight was closed and would not be re-opened, even though I was about 8 or 9 minutes prior to STD. And the lady took a 10 minute delay anyway because she had no clue what she was doing. I stood in the window the whole time. Nearly 20 minutes from the time I showed up until the time the door closed and I was denied.

The second time was two days ago and the last reasonable flight out of ORF going home. ORF sucks to commute out of and anytime after 1600 you are in trouble. It was a Chatauqua flight to CVG and she denied me saying it was "Weight and Balance" issues. I don't doubt the ERJ-145 has issues but I also know most crews look out for each other and can make it work.

This was 12 minutes prior to STD.

Just be aware that the gate agents in ORF have a serious attitude issue going on and jumpseaters are being denied. Both times I had to wait until the next day to get home. Please, Please, Please, check the gate for folks. I understand the need to be on time but don't believe the gate agents if they tell you there are no jumpseaters. I always check personally if the flight is marginally fully.

ORF is a nightmare and folks are being denied at the gate. Just be aware.

Oberon

Thanks for the heads up. If you haven't already call your jumpseat coordinator and let him know what happened. I don't know if it will help, but it can't hurt.

I've been less than impressed with ORF since it turned to DAL. We can't use the one NWA terminal to check the weather because they are afraid it will crash, with good reason, I took a delay recently because it did crash. I don't know how things work there but there seems to be an apathy to deal with things as they come and make no real effort to correct them so they don't have to deal with the problem again. This is just my observation, I'm not there every day.

On another note...

We had a particularly light load from MCO recently and a passenger inquired about upgrading to first class. The FA referred him to the gate agent who told him it could not be done at the gate. When I asked the gate agent what the deal was she said they don't like to deal with money at the gate because they "deal with a lot of kids" in MCO and said that I could upgrade him if I wanted. When I pointed out to her that she was essentially giving away $50 she said "so, you won't get it!". Is this a Delta thing, or a random lazy gate agent?

JetFlyer06

Saab,

Sorry to hear about your troubles in ORF. I have had trouble there as well, with the agents telling me "I hope you are listed nonrev because I have no idea how to list you for a jumpseat". This is inexcusable in my opinion. I did get on the flight to DTW (on Compass), but not without a lot of grief and complaining from the agents. I have emailed the DAL North jumpseat committee chairmen to make him aware of the issues in ORF, hopefully something will be done.

CANAM

The Delta ops in ORF are pretty much useless nowadays. It's often hard to do a 30 minute turn there on the best of days lately. The agents are contract people. I believe they work for Delta Ground Services (DGS). They recieve no flight bennefits and very poor pay. In short, the training they recieve is poor at best because management knows that the turnover is HUGE. I suspect many don't know what jumpseating is, or how to enter it into the system. It's not their fault, as they haven't been trained properly. And from my experience, the less they know, the more excuses they make to cover their lack of knowledge. Even if there is a W/B issue, they should at least let you out to the aircraft. You may or may not make it, but that's not their decision to make.

CaptKrunch

You get what you pay for. When are MGT and paying passengers going to learn this?

Roper92

Any station run by DGS is a terrible one to commute to/from in my opinion. It's much better when you get to deal with an actual airline representative.

JetFlyer06

The station I commute out of is run by DGS and I've had no problems since the switchover. It probably helps that they had good people working there before the switch.

dogpilot

I hate to hear anyone being rejected for a commute, but 8 to 9 min. prior is too late. The gate agent is under no obligation to help you. I commute all the time and have myself run up on the gate 10 prior, still hoping for a ride. However I realize that the flights close 10 prior per the rules. Give yourself more time, it may help. You might try getting there 30 prior and try talking to the crew. I always ask the gate agent if any jumpseaters are outside before we leave, but give yourself more time.

mike51135

I'm not sticking up for the gate agent by any means...but why are you consistently going to the gate only 10 minutes prior?

BoilerUP

Because he's likely hauling ass from the Air Wisconsin crewroom on the other concourse after stashing his brain bag immediately upon arrival at the gate?