PilotJ3

Im in my mid 30s, most my FOs are close to my age. First yr pay is $117/hr, they can afford their own food. Also considering most flights now have meals provided, I might buy coffee or a meal at the airport if he/she goes to the same place I’m eating. When I was a NH, I did not liked the CAs buying me food/drinks. It felt I was being bribed to go out with them on my overnights. I don’t beg them to go out with me, in fact I rather spend my time talking with my wife or going to the gym.

This industry has changed enough, that I watch who I go out with or how I interact with people. I had a guy in a JS once asking me “I’ve never flown with a female pilot, do you treat her different?”. Facepalm

Crown

I do the same. If I like you enough to go out and get food/drinks, I can pick up the tab.

I was astounded as an FO the amount of times CAs picked up the tab, and I greatly appreciated it. Now I want to pay that forward.

Wolf424

That’s kind of how I feel. Just paying it forward. If the CA buys drinks, I always insist that it isn’t necessary, but always appreciated. I’ll usually offer to buy coffee the next day.

One day when I upgrade, I’ll do the same. Does anyone have to? Of course not. But I will.

LeineLodge

This. I’m just paying it back into the pot. I flew with many generous captains and am fortunate to have the opportunity to carry their tradition forward.

No need to make it weird. It’s not a bribe or perpetuating the patriarchy 🙄

Read the room and do whatever feels right.

172skychicken

Ditto to the above. Many Captains bought for me even though I never expected it. I usually buy if for no other reason to pay it forward. That being said, I really only go out when it makes sense. I don't scramble to find somewhere to go at 1am and I won't forgo the gym or sleep to try and make it happen. And I definitely don't try to strong arm FOs into going out. I am more than happy to entertain myself on a layover.

Nantonaku

So you use this to justify being a cheapskate? This sets a good tone in a crew environment. The tone is something along the lines of “I’m a cheapa** and only care about myself.”

notEnuf

Because you won't buy a virtual stranger a beer whom you know makes 6 figures? Get a dating app.

Tinpusher007

THAT's what you took from what they said?

GogglesPisano

Some perspective: The tradition of CA's buying dinner for new-hire FO's is part "Welcome to the Family," as well as helping them through their first-year pay. Well, first-year pay at most legacies now puts them in the top 5%. But we should still welcome them to the family, as long as layover schedules and food tastes align. Tradition.

When I see a newhire not tip the van driver, then I assume they are not a "Traditional" type of person and we'll see each other in the morning.

Tinpusher007

I can appreciate tradition, but even as newhires prior to the current contract, FO's here still made more money than most people in this country. I always prefer buying my own meals because I usually want something different than whats offered at the local "pilot hangouts". I never felt unwelcome if my captain didn't pick up my tab. Regarding the family thing, I don't believe it when management says it and I don't necessarily feel it in the cockpit, which is fine. We are coworkers. But I would do what I could to help a coworker in need and would apprciate the same if I was. I, too offer to buy drinks if Im on a green slip. I have also offered and sometimes been taken up on buying a captain their meal if they are retiiring soon and I know I won't see them again. I think these are classy gestures at the discretion of the pilot who chooses to offer them. But its not an obligation and no one should be berated for not offering. Just my opinion...