I've done that for gate checked luggage for js crew. It was pink tagged. One time ramp was fine with it, another time they weren't and I didn't push it. But that was a long time ago.

 

the company was arguing your not trained in f9 bag procedures in the sec 19. Funny thing is he was. X f9 ramper. Ok sec 19 over when they found out.

 

You are a poet, Sir.
(No sarcasm here)

 

I like to treat customers with care and respect. ProperMike...Take that introspection (something I do like) a little further and imagine if most pilots spent the effort to create good pilot to pax interactions. And now guess what that does for your own bottom line for you and your family in getting a contract. Like it or not, thats the situation here. It tells the company you are happy with the status quo. I see a lot more great pilot to pax interactions at Delta and United these days...and that's solid gold for the airline. As has already been mentioned, it starts at the top. I don't think for a second the pilots at F9 will tank the airline with lack of enthusiasm.

 

Giving away a bottle of water to the loadmaster is stealing in the company's eyes. Do that once per leg and that adds up!

In all seriousness, ProperMike's attitude toward his job is reminiscent of how the majority of this pilot group used to be when I was a new hire nearly 20 years ago. We always went above and beyond. The culture was great, the product was excellent, our customers loved us, and it was a great place to work.

This management team has destroyed the culture here, and unfortunately, the reputation of the company and the work attitude of its employees. Our product is diminished, customers have figured it out, and our bottom line is suffering because of it. If there is not a top level management change, I worry about our viability.

 

ProperMike,

Bro, I love the enthusiasm. I really do. We all do I'm sure.

But you've got to remember a few things here...customer service is EVERYONE's job. If others don't do it, you can't make them and you aren't helping the company by going above and beyond. You may be placating a few passengers on a few specific flights but depending on your actions, you could be enabling others to do less. If you get the reputation at your base, when gate agents see you coming they may come to expect you to make your announcement and they not have to make theirs.

Second, not only are you fighting a losing battle, you are endangering the livelihood of your fellow pilots by possibly setting a precedent that you alone are willing to uphold. Imagine if management gets wind of what you're doing and decides to make it policy for everyone (this has happened before). Additionally, I'm sure in your announcements and additional service that is seems like everyone is appreciative but I will tell you that if I'm in the back of the plane or gate area and you make an announcement every 5 minutes saying the same thing over and over (with no real info/update), I'm gonna tell a FA to tell you to shut the F up while I get some sleep. There is such a thing as being annoyingly polite.

Most people want to hear that you're sorry for how things are but EVERYBODY wants the situation remedied as soon as possible w/ as little fuss/involvement as possible. Instead of doing others jobs, why not encourage them to do theirs. Explain how it's such a nice thing when they help you by doing so.

I don't want you to get bitter from this or decide it's hopeless. Balance is the key - don't be non-existent but don't be overly persistent. You alone shouldn't feel like you need to try and counteract all that is wrong at F9. You can't and you will suffer (mental health wise) way before putting the slightest of upticks in the F9 reputation.

 

These are valid points. Thanks for the perspective.