I know things like this have been posted here time and again. But, I never thought I'd be living it or ever making a post under this thread.

Here I am in shorts, boat shoes and a T shirt (orange lanyard and "I Am Investment Grade" tag attached to my non-crew looking carry-on) with my family getting seated on a Delta MD-90 in RSW. Why so casual? Because I can! I'm riding real-deal tickets, since nonreving throughout FL in spring break season is a nightmare. But I digress. The captain makes a welcome PA using his full name and that of the "assisting" FO. "We are both former U.S. Navy pilots with over 43 years of combined professional aviation experience to get you safely to Atlanta today." No orange either.

Captain of DL 2427 on 3/26/2016, you may be a dandy pilot, blessed with a stellar assistant. But, you sir, are a tool!

 

What did he say when you asked him about the lack of orange?

 

I've asked a couple pilots. Pretty consistent answer. They say wearing the lanyard isn't going to help negotiations. Some will add that it's against company policy and job is too good to risk. One said he never wears lanyards and isn't going to start now.

 

Honestly, that query was on my mind for the deplaning process. But wife had my nads on lock-down (as I uttered the word "seriously?" And rolled my eyes five seconds into the PA, she said "play like a big boy and don't taunt the pilots.") 😎

I knew captain fantastic was flying due to the F/Os voice on all the eroute PAs - which BTW were everyday sensible PAs. It was light turbulence for 80% of the flight. Lady across the aisle yacked two bags full and I gave her mine for the next round. I can't assess blame for the bumps, since I believe the area was pretty much that way. But I had to smile at the high-G landing. Biggest slam I have experienced in a few years. Reliving the carrier days I guess.

 

What do you find more toolish.... the non orange lanyard, or the PA. After all, the travelling public is clueless about the lanyard and issues the union have with the airline... being a F/O would it really be a good career move to query a Captain as to why no lanyard... just curious.

 

All in the delivery. I just say "hey boss, you should wear orange, its slimming"

 

Why wouldn't it be? There was a bit of education from the right seat at my place of work, a decent CBA was the result. Things like lanyards are small but crucial steps towards that elusive goal called unity. Without it a pilot group will never achieve anything.

 

On 2 delta md90 flights today through ATL with both captains announcing who was "assisting" them. Best part was one of names was Capt oTool! Haha!

That nonsense needs to stop right away! Really?? Get over yourselves!

 

Unfortunately there is a lot of that at mother D.

However, I just flew with a "our mil background, I am assisted by PA" retired 0-6 fighter guy. Gave the most ridiculously long briefs /PAs I have witnessed. But you know what, he was on of the nicest guys I have flown with. Did the walk around on my legs and didn't say **** when I was flying. He bought all the beer and was a pleasure to hang with. Aside from the "between the 2 of us we have xx years flying" it was a great trip.

 

Free beer!!!