I have 3 weeks vacation. It was 96:15 for line holder with zero days worked or 6 reserve days for 116 hours. Living in base, it might make sense. If you get assigned a 4 day trip on reserve you break even with the lineholder that white slips a 4 day. I chose the 96:15 with zero obligation. Maybe I’ll get a 2 day GS, maybe I won’t but having zero obligation is more important to me than commuting to reserve.

 

Yes but the higher vacation value plus the reduced GS triggers means it’s now easier to get to higher pay, or more time off, or both, when bidding a line.

 

The calculus really hasn't changed. Someone who doesn't pick up on their off days will be more time off and less pay with a line and less time of but way more pay per day worked as a reserve. And, if you're senior enough to get GS, you're still better off to do it as a reserve

 

I will not take the time to explain to an FA the physics involved, but in a the cockpit of a 321 I'm likely just as far from the CG as the aft galley, and since the airplane doesn't flop around like a noodle our rides should be nearly identical. This whole wive's tale of how "it's worse in the back of of a 321" is suspect at best, but they all seem to believe it.

That said, I haven't heard the phrase "I don't feel safe" as an excuse to not open Sprites since last summer. Someone from IFS told me they were sending 'secret shoppers' out on random flights to see what was happening and slap some wrists. In my experience since then it has gotten better.

 

This came up in the DCLC when I went through upgrade. When one of the inflight managers came to talk to our class, a few people brought this up. She said to not argue with the FAs and let them handle it internally because they were aware of the problem. They were tracking passenger complaints through the surveys and sending people out like you mentioned. Anecdotally it has gotten better since then. About once per year while deadheading or nonrevving I'll experience a blatantly egregious case.

On my own flights if they ask anything I'll just say "from my experience and with the information that I have up here, it's safe to do service, but use your best judgement". That's also my response when they ask me to turn on the seatbelt sign and I won't let them dictate that, unless they specifically ask for it to get people out of the aisle to make their service easier.

 

I can provide a little perspective since I started my career here as an FA. And let me preface with saying I wholeheartedly agree there is a shift in abusing the whole "it's bumpy, I don't feel safe doing service" thing. There's an unfortunate amount of people that just wanna sit around and do nothing.

That said, it's not necessarily that the bumps are "worse" in the back (although, speed brakes will make your teeth rattle off your face in the aft galley), it's how the bumps affect the carts.
Galley carts are skinny and top heavy. Now load that cart with water bottles, coffee and hot water carafes and snacks and you've got a very wobbly and very heavy Jenga tower.

Personally, I had no issues doing service in bumpy air. But occasional moderate chop or constant light can still be a challenge when it comes to pouring hot liquids and that very vulnerable instant when you're reaching passing a drink to the furthest passenger by the window. The wrong bump and you're tripping over someone and/or spilling on someone's lap. Also, chop during service slows you down so damn much between trying to slowly pour drinks and trying to do things while keeping one hand on the cart to keep it from wobbling like a dealership tube man.

 

Thanks for the "inside perspective".

Doesn't really change how I, and I think most other CA's, run things. The service show in the back is up to the lead. Upfront we will turn off/on the belts when we deem appropriate, determine SEAT is required, or direct them to take their seats as appropriate to conditions. Pretty simple, we all stay in our respective lanes and then move along to point B for the layover (or leg 4 for you NB folks).

 

I don't disagree, I do the same. Though I will say I felt this was more prevalent a year or two ago. This whole discussion made me realize I haven't gotten that call from the back in a while. I also try to be proactive and keep them seated if I suspect a bad ride ahead and I keep the lead update about rides

 

I'll give them the benefit of the doubt on the 757-300 because that thing is like a flying diving board and the back fishtails everywhere even in constant light chop. It's brutal, and doesn't make for a pleasant experience when deadheading in the last row middle seat after a short notice reserve callout.

 

Another reason why Delta should simply give each passenger a full, unopened can of soda and a cup of ice, as AA and UA already do.

It won’t solve the coffee problem, but it does speed up service, reduce spills, and keeps customers happy. Delta’s stance that pouring a tiny amount of soda over a full cup of ice is “better service” than providing a whole can has always been ridiculous.