Originally Posted by First Break (Post 3786151)

This.

Payload optimized is intended to be a surgical tool, but like many things at Delta that are hatched out of necessity with good intentions, lately it seems like it is an overused crutch by lazy and/or overworked folks in the OCC and enforced by gate agents who are terrified to do anything they percieve to be outside the lines. I have found that in numerous cases, without active intervention, passengers would have been left at the gate unnecessarily. This is almost always driven by MLW issues when carrying extra or alternate gas. I normally work directly with dispatch and load planning to limit or remove the cap by flight planning a different altitude, dropping an alternate when appropriate and comfortable, or being realistic about taxi or contingency fuel.

There are still times when a cap is appropriate, no matter how frustrating it may be. A Delta pilot is contractually protected. An OAL pilot not so much, unfortunately. Just like if I were asking to bump a paying pax on your airline.

To the OP - You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Happy to have you aboard any time, just take your anger issues out on the KCM random folks and not your fellow pilots.

Originally Posted by Nick Bradshaw (Post 3786100)

…Also, I live in base, as all pilots should, and as our company recommends…

Originally Posted by FangsF15 (Post 3786130)

Something about ‘carrying management’s water’…?

Originally Posted by ancman (Post 3786498)

I can’t think of a single factor less relevant in the personal decision of whether to commute / live in base than “what our company recommends”.

The great thing about this job is that there are countless ways to do it, with no requirement to live in any particular place. Commuting is the best choice for many pilots.

Originally Posted by Hrkdrivr (Post 3786481)

This while NB accuses you, Fangs, of being a management shill in the L&G thread. How rich.

Originally Posted by Hrkdrivr (Post 3786481)

This while NB accuses you, Fangs, of being a management shill in the L&G thread. How rich.

Originally Posted by Boatbuilder (Post 3786614)

The OP's attitude explains why he or she works for a 3rd rate carrier. I've commuted for 5 years now, a couple of times on another airline. I always try to meet the captain in the gate area, offer my hand as I introduce myself and have all my creds in the other hand.
Delta's policy on payload optimization isn't unreasonable, if we can accommodate you you'll get a seat. Lot of performance factors as well as weight and balance come into play. Delta sees the need to get its pilots to and from work as a higher priority than an OAL pilot. Understandable.

Oh and to the one denizen of PTC that chose this thread to admonish commuters for thier choice to live elsewhere than base I resided in ATL (not PTC... EVER) for 28 of my 33 year career. When given the choice of living in a location that's like being on vacation every day and not dealing with ATL traffic AND that employee parking lot/bus I only wish I'd commuted my entire career. I honestly find it less stressfull getting to work via a JS than my previous 30 mile drive through an urban wasteland.

Originally Posted by Boatbuilder (Post 3786614)

The OP's attitude explains why he or she works for a 3rd rate carrier.

Originally Posted by Servant Leader (Post 3785885)

Buck:

The facts are the facts, pal:
1) A pilot needs a ride.
2) There is an open seat in either the cockpit or the back.
3) The aircraft is not over gross.
4) He gets on.
5) Period.
This will be my only response to this thread. Have at it.