I need to add one more thing to my "Facts of Life" list:

5. Every 1-2 months we will have a thread on APC talking about "XJT vs. CHQ" where pilots from both carriers will dig up the most random crap they can to make themselves feel right. Nothing will be accomplished and no opinions will be swayed.

 

I fly in and out of IAH on regionals, both XJT and CHQ, and can say it isn't anyone's fault. I can't tell you how many times I've sat there waiting for a gate agent to let the plane unload. I never understood why you have to sit there for 10 minutes waiting to simply let people walk off the plane into the covered terminal that's a mere 30ft away.

CAL does something most places don't and that's deliver a good customer experience. Good customer experience and on-time performance DO NOT go hand in hand. Countless times they keep calling and waiting on that last pax that shows up 5min late then rush them out to the plane, argue with the crew for a minute or two saying they need them to be taken, then another minute or two waiting to see if there is room for their bags, then because one sheet is already filled out the FO has to start a complete new one which takes a couple more minutes. This seems to be the story every single time. I won't lie I've done it once. They held the plane for a few minutes for me because they knew i was running through the terminal to jumpseat home.

Regardless of what you guys think about the CHQ vs XJT operation there one thing is certain and that's customers are happy with CAL and the way they do business. Granted it'd be much easier if they were just A'holes and denied pax left and right like Delta but their concern isn't about our job being easier it's about the pax. Personally I love flying Continental. I go first class everywhere. Other places usually don't let you.

 

Yeah. Wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

You're right but we all jump in feet first and have a ball for a few days. Hope no ones taking anything personally.

 

What Continental are YOU talking about!?

 

If they are they haven't been here long enough lol. BTW someone emailed me XJT's contract pre-2001 if anyone's interested. It's interesting to see how things have changed and how dramatically they have changed. Not just at XJT but in the industry. Perfect example why we expect nothing but progress in our next contract.

PS. Mark Bulger was the worst damn pick I've ever made for Fantasy Football. If you want to really hurt my feelings nail me for that lol.

 

I was wondering the same thing. I'll take a Delta gate agent having a bad day vs. a CAL agent having a good day I've seen some interesting folk bouncing around on the mainline side of that carrier....

 

The one out of IAH I've flown my entire life. They provide excellent service to me every time I'm there. They put me in first class and give me meals. I do make the effort to make eye contact and shake the hands of everyone though. Seems to help. One CA told me he hadn't had anyone actually come into the cockpit and do that in a good while then said to take a seat in first class.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon from the flight deck. I'd like to apologize to the 49 of you onboard for our delay; we've been waiting 10 minutes for our last passenger to arrive and have now missed our slot for O'Hare. ATC has informed us that our new Expect Departure Clearance Time is approximately two hours from now, so the gate agents have begun work to rebook all of you who will miss your connections."
But hey, at least they got that one passenger on

 

it was kind of a joke. but I wouldnt doubt to see them go somewhere. Dont get me wrong I have heard nothing but good things about XJET airlines, but its very hard to make money on 50 seaters. I know they were planning on a loss for the next few years but they need their contracts with Continental to keep the cash coming in to fund their side business project. But really I wish XJET the best of luck but I dont see branded flying on 50 seaters as a very good investment.

 

My bet is they get in more with another airline and quit the branded then sell the ticket. Are they a member of skyteam or anything like that? Be hard to fly if they aren't.