No matter how many times I see that picture Cpt. Tony, it never fails to crack me up. It is so true on so many levels regardless of the situation.

 

Yes, 100% I've used it a few times. Flat tires, snow etc...

 

No pay protection.

 

Lordie, you non-commuters crack me up. Commuter clause (one of the best in the industry) covers you ATLocals (or ATL-yokels) too. Flat tire? accident? traffic? snomaggedon? you're covered. Just document your attempt in some way (photo, car repair bill, text from state of emergency, etc...) and you're covered. YOU ARE NOT PAY PROTECTED. They (scheduling) has the option of delaying the flight, reassigning you, taking you off the trip completely, having you join the rest of your trip, or positive spacing you (if you're not in domicile). While you won't get paid, you won't receive an occurrence either.

For non-commuters using the clause, you can use this 3 times in a rolling 18 months. For those commuting, same goes for you, however, if you book yourself on TWO flights (two chances to get to work by air) that meet all the criteria, you can use the commuter clause an unlimited number of times.

 

I was given a reserve assignment the other day in the middle of the snow coming down. I accepted it not knowing how bad the roads already were, and also I didn't expect the people of ATL to go into panic mode so quickly (stupid me). Long story short, my 20 minute commute turned into over 2 hours. Luckily I made it. While sitting in the mess, I contacted scheduling and sat on hold since I had nothing else to do. Once I finally got through, they were completely understanding and simply wanted to know if I'd be able to make departure time. No pressure from them at all, and they just said get here when you can.

Here's where I was really impressed. Lou B. in the CPO called me and asked if my FO could have my phone # so we could coordinate with each other. He was insistent that I be safe and take my time getting to the airport. Never did I feel pressured or rushed and was impressed with the whole situation.

While this isn't really a big deal in the grand scheme of things, I just want to put it out there. Crew scheduling and the company might seem incompetent and uncaring a lot of times, but here's a situation where some humanity poked its head out. Such a small amount of rational and understanding went a long way with me. Hopefully there are a lot more and better stories out there than mine.

 

Actually it's 3 in a rolling 12 months for the single flight criteria. On the CRJ side at least. Not sure about the ERJ guys.

 

Whoops, you're right. I'm CRJ side too

 

It's the same for both sides.

 

So Brad S. will be the new VP. I liked him when he was the CP in ATL.

 

Just wanted to say I called this one.