Improving the little things
 

We've all noticed things while flying or jumpseating that can be improved. I thought it'd be interesting to start a list - sort of a survey - of little things that are easily fixed that many of us don't even realize we're doing. I'll start the list with two I just found while riding in the back:

(PCS Format)
Problem:
Context:
Solution:


P: Toggling mic switch during announcements.
C: Pilot made a very good arrival announcement but the IFE screens kept strobe lighting as they jumped to max brightness in announcment mode. Also the videos advanced a second each time causing a lost chunk of movie.
S: Keep the mic keyed.


P: Needlessly grumpy passengers
C: Landed 20 minutes early, taxi for 5, make announcement that it'll be another 5 before we park. It was a good announcement giving everyone the reason we're stopped and reminding us to keep it buckled. The problem is we're 10 minutes early yet there are AUDIBLE annoyed grumbles from the back.
S: Remind people we're still going to be early or on time. (Or don't give a time estimate at all) (Or make another announcement after parking "Welcome to LA 10 minutes early")

I find passengers are by far the happiest when you simply tell them the truth.

Great idea to start this thread!

Keep PAs short - it interrupts the movie and no one cares if we are over Nebraska or Iowa, if they are curious they will look it up!

Be a man and don't take cockpit jumpseaters, who are short of the FOM standards.
Last week, while commuting on Delta flight, I saw an Endeavor pilot in and out of the cockpit barging back and forth through Delta One with uniform shirt on with FO epaulets and wings, but no tie, navy dockers slacks and white tennis shoes, shaven at least a week ago.
He had to arrange his bags in the back and everyone assumed he was a Delta pilot working the flight. The guy next to me asked if he might have a medical condition since Delta lets him wear tennis shoes.
I know I am no fun, but you got to respect the brand and guys who honor the rules if nothing else.

Right. And even if a small amount behind schedule, don't use the "L" word. That accomplishes nothing but needlessly angering some.

...........

Maybe you should have gotten up from your first class seat and given him a verbal beat down.

Added to ignore list...

I don't know, some guys can pull it off and pax appreciate it. But I agree that you can't be rambling. Above and beyond is great, just practice at the hotel a couple times with a recorder before you do.

Deadheading middle seat between two large passengers.

120 degrees in the back. Let’s run that APU.😉

Must of been before Memorial Day.