There is line

Today I was jumpseating out of IAD to DAY on the 12:25 flight. My step-daughter and a friend of hers were non-reving on the same flight. Unfortunately the scene at the gate was chaotic: the gate agent (whom I think must have been new) was alone trying to board 6 flights and looking for volunteers on at least one of them. Most flights were full and she was alone. The situation quickly got the best of her and she was way "behind the airplane". I had been waiting for our turn in line but she was about to close the flight.
Captain David however came to personally check why the jumpseater had not made it to the plane. I told him we were waiting in line but the gate agent quickly dismissed us saying that she had no time for that. David calmly asked if there was anything he could do to help and when she said no he assertedly replied that he was not going to leave with 2 empty seats and empty jumpseat. That finally convinced the gate agent to process our boarding (which didn't take more than a few seconds) and we were on. Had we not make that flight we would have most likely spent the day and the night in IAD as the next two flights were booked solid.
David, you are a scholar and a gentleman. Thanks so much for making this happen. PM me anytime, I'd be glad to buy a few rounds for you and your crew next time you're in the area.

P.S. The FO (sorry, I forget your name) and F/A Allie (sp?) were just as welcoming. Thanks to you too and happy 4th of July.

sandlapper223

These are the reports I like to hear. Great job XJT crew.

airline NooB

I love this thread!!!!
In trying to do my research on various carriers to insure that I make informed decisions, I read through thread after thread after thread after thread of incessant b-tching and moaning.
So much in-fighting that I seriously am on the fence as to whether this is an industry that I could tolerate...not because of the pay or work conditions, but because of having to work with so many folks who seek out things to complain about.
THIS thread is an very rare exception and give me hope that there are others out there who can praise as well as pout.
THANK YOU!
Yes, I know that pilots, like soldiers, arent happy unless they are complaining. And I know that the internet is far too convenient a mechanism to resist flaming about every little insult to ones values.
It just sure is nice to hear someone say something complimentary.
Even nicer to hear about someone doing something worth being complimented for.
My gratitude to both parties.
now back to lurking.....

Love To Fly

I don't blame the gate agent for being overwhelmed. The understaffing is not her fault. How she reacts is a whole different story.

I flew WN out of IAD at 4 pm yesterday and it was a zoo.

Glad you and the girls got out of there.

Love To Fly

Awesome dude. The two captains mentioned in other threads need to take a page out of David's play book.

DryMotorBoatin

Just wait...youll be there someday. Promise.

airline NooB

Nope.
I'm a Noob in this venue. But far from being inexperience or naive.
I dont complain.
I focus on the aspects that I like.
I accept that NO situation will be totally satisfactory.
I attempt to compensate for or alter conditions that I do not like.
If they cant be fixed, or are intollerable.
I LEAVE (I got big boy britches....not diapers).
I dont run to someone to fight for me.
I dont threaten to hold my breath or throw a tantrum.
I dont slam the door on the way out.
I simply LEAVE and seek happyness elsewhere.
Complaining only distributes the misery.

This is a long LONG way from being my first rodeo....and no, I aint some ZEN hippy.

But to put this thread back on track:
I dont know any of the people involved. But I thank them all for their handling of the situation.

newarkblows

Unfortunately your post is like a broken record. Lots of people get into this with every intention to be motivated employees with nothing but sunshine leaving their lips.... and then their management makes another bone head move, crew scheduling rips into you for wanting what your contract clearly states, and you are asked to give a concession "because we are near bankruptcy" regardless of the fact that you are already severely under paid and mis-treated.

You could be like this captain and say enough is enough. Why are we hurting our peers to get out on time? who cares if we are ten minutes late? If you get a phone call you explain why you went out late and articulate the overwhelmed gate agent. We are treated poorly and given little to no consideration by almost every current airline management. I think the reason these forums and many pilot forums seem to constantly revert to "whining" is because management has stopped caring about our day to day and the only place to vent is online.

The honey moon is over for many pilots. You will be there one day... I can guarantee it.

DryMotorBoatin

Yeah...what he said. And while it might not be your first rodeo...it sounds like you have no 121 experience. Fly a couple years then stop back by.

johnso29

Nice job XE. It's always refreshing when crews do a commuter sweep at the gate before departure.