Quick couple of questions for you paper-zed veterans.

Plan on going to Cyprus this summer, Cyprus Airways uses only paper zeds and I have no idea where in Europe we will end up flying into Cyprus from.

If I was to buy multiple paper zeds from multiple departure locations, do you get charged for each right away and then have to get refunded for un-used zeds, or are you charged only upon use?

Also, can I buy them at Delta Ticket counters once in Europe?

Thanks,

Humboldt

 

I have no problem with the device other than it won't run the PBS Navtech desktop bidding software--something I actually use. (needs the .NET framework of Windows). Aside from that issue, which I don't see Navtech ever fixing, it's a nice device.

Now, what we actually end up using it for, and more likely what we don't use it for, I have an issue with. They are full of excuses why they can't do this or that, and some vague hope of a later release with more functionality. Well, I'm not holding my breath. I think we'll end up with an expensive PDF reader, and not much more. Which is fine... just don't put out memos promising 'the new generation' of tech or something to that effect when really it's just a PDF reader. I already have an Ipad for that.

Global cellular data push via cell or aircraft wifi----

real time scheduling and hotel info with FAR 117 limits and alerts built in.
real time security threat info
real time weather
real time takeoff and landing data, gate info, holdout updates, ground power/air availability
real time position and chart info (moving map)
ability to run bidding software of some kind
ability to write, save and submit FCRs and ASRs with push button ease.
chat app for tech support, CPSC, tech ops, dispatch, ACS needs.
crew meal requests

This is what we need out on the line to make our lives easier. I doubt we'll ever see any of it.

 

To add on here:

When you're J/S-ing on AA, (don't know about other airlines), DAL pilots are a D-6 priority, DAL F/As are a D-7 priority. Just because an F/A(s) shows up to the gate before a pilot DOES NOT mean they're to be boarded before the pilot(s). Knowing this and gently reminding the occasionally- forgetful gate agent may get you on the plane, and save you a hotel room!

 

I don't disagree that the tablet can be a game changer if it is used and supported correctly. I will add that according to the guy in charge the version we get in May? Will be version 1.0 and the intention is to build on that base. He seemed genuinely motivated to make this happen now if the money flows to support it will be the issue.

 

...at the risk of sounding negative, past experience has shown that money will always be an issue. We are making record profits but we've shelved a lot of tech issues. We are still running on an emulated x386 platform! Who else in the world is still doing that? It would be cool if they were able to do these things but my past experience has shown it's all talk.

 

This.

For those that don't know, or have underdeveloped google skills, the flu (all forms) is viral, and malaria is a parasite.

Completely different deal.

The human immune system is fairly adept at fighting off viruses and bacteria. In either case, there is enough difference in the biochemistry that there are plenty of "targets" for medication to be effective without poisoning the host.

Parasites, especially multicellular parasites, the immune system is far less able to handle. Biochemically speaking, they are more similar to our own, so there are far less targets for medication to go after (IE you need something to make them sick, without making you sick).

Malaria especially has a really nasty habit of changing its protein profile after every "emergence", which makes is darn near impossible for your immune system to recognize, and makes creating any kind of vaccine fiendishly difficult.

Certainly you need the insect vector, but the end result is far worse.

Nu

 

When you buy the Paper Zed tickets you pay right there, via a credit card or cash.

If you don't use them, you just refund them at a Delta ticket counter (since they are issued on DL ticket stock even though the flight is on CyprusAir or whatever).

You MAY be able to buy them in Europe, but I would recommend to buy them stateside for a few reasons: a) not all the ticket agents know how to issue them, so you may have to wait for that agent (usually the station manager or a supervisor) to do it. b) the Delta ticket office at the airport is usually only open for Delta flights, which is only usually in the morning, then they are busy which leads to c) Being told they can't do it now or you have to do a downtown ticket office to do it (happened to my Dad in Dubai).

If you really don't know where you're going to fly from, then buy them over there. But I'd try to make a contact with a station manager when you arrive so you know who to ask for - and don't do it an hour before the flight you want to be on departs. Give yourself time.

Took the agents 25 minutes to do mine in DTW where they spoke great english, thought they knew what they were doing, had other agents to ask and a phone help line. in SEA, took under a minute because the agent knew what to do.

I used a ZED on KLM and Alitalia - worked great, no problems. Just read the Interline sheet for each airline, it explains how to list, what to do, etc.

 

I would love the view too!

Actually, a great pledge brother of mine back in the day was a male cheerleader.
He conveyed his experience to all of us. He told us that those hotties you see being picked up like that, stunk! Their underwear would be stained and they would let farts ripp throughout the game just to F with the male cheerleaders. One game, he had the privilege of lifting the hottest one. As he picked her up, he noticed she had skid marks.

Lessons: Be careful, what looks good might be Stinky and Sour.

TEN

 

Just got around to listening to the crew room briefing. Left a couple of questions open:

(1) What if Alaska airlines had agreed to be an exclusive partner of Delta in Seattle?
(2) What if Alaska changes their mind?

Me thinks I might change a couple of my anticipated Contract 2015 survey answers. Might be a good idea to close that loophole while management isn't using it.

 

All good info, also would agree that even in best cases can take agent quite a bit of time to issue ZED's stateside, overseas can be a real challenge.

1. For best results make all requests on the form through deltanet ahead of airport visit. Delta res will make the listing and send you back an email with the record locator for each pair of ZED's. That will make airport visit much smoother as the agent then puts in the locator and swipes your card and the paper tickets pop out with a receipt. That process (from input the form on travelnet till email of locator #) can take from 30 mins to 1.5 days depending on the time of day and busyness of delta res apparently.

2 For unused ZED's, save yourself (and ticket agent) a major time intensive butt-ache by mailing them into Delta to the address given on Travelnet vice showing up at the ticket counter. If you go to the counter, the agent has to input at least 100 #'s for each ticket including the price, tax, and other details before the computer will accept for a refund. Usually they make a simple mistake and the univac will give an error and they have to start all over again. Each time I've mailed them in I've had my refunds within 5 days on the CC'rd that they were paid for with.

3. Cyprus is nice and unique, enjoy!