I've started writing down names and basic descriptions (discreetly) of the gate agents and Tray Stackers (TSA) at the airport I commute out of. That way I can greet them by name and it goes a long ways. Even the TSA folks have laid off. They are actually quite nice now. The gate agents really bust butt to get me on flights now. That's really a great help.

Before I started doing this I had one guy lay into me cause I hadn't checked in 30 minutes prior at the check-in counter "just like every normal passenger". This was in front of all the passengers lined up to go out to the plane. I was in uniform headed to fly a flight right into that very airport within 2 hours. So after he ripped me for not checkin in, I went over to the window and waved at the flight crew. The captain came over and told him to get me on the flight. There was tons of room. So after flying to ORD I picked up my flight and came right back to my airport. Guess who was working my flight? Same guy. He was standing by the plane as I was doing my walk around. I walked over and smiling just said "What's going on dude?!" He looked at me blinked then turned around and walked into the terminal.
Part 2. I've since learned his name from other agents. The other day I was standing at the aircraft door as pax were loading for a flight back to SBN and who happens to be on that flight? Yep, on his way to work commuting in. As he walked on I was like "Good morning Jim!" He looked at me kinda shocked.
Just had to laugh at the irony.

 

Skipped to the end of this one, but the only phone call I've ever had to field from the CP's office was because of a Gate Agent. Now, if their uniform doesn't have an SWA logo on it, I will barely talk to them. If it's in IAD...even eye contact is optional...

 

I had one oversold flight once with a list of non-revs trying to fly out. Of course the flight broke and I was able to get some non-revs out but was unable to get a code share pilot(from another regional flying under similar mainline colors) along with a few other non-revs who just didn't have the seniority to get on. At the time he asked for the jumpseat, i told him it was kinda late but i'll list him. No guarantees because w&b was also becoming a factor. Well, he waived the Captain who came up and demanded that we get the pilots off, even if we had to bump the non-revs with more seniority. After asking him what he was on, he told me the plane would not move until I can get them on. Well, I told him the first action would be me making an announcement to the paying passengers about his selfishness, the next would be a call to dispatch and finally ending up with his chief pilot(who i know on a first name basis for previous calls). Needless to say, he was ****ed. One pilot jumped up front(even with w&b) and they were on their way. I heard later that he asked for my name and job title and my ramp agents told them that I was the leader on duty when he finally gave up. Now, good friends, even offered a letter of recommendation towards my future flying career....

We don't need coffee, candy, food, donuts, money, or any other types of bribery(although it is greatly appreciated). Just put yourselves in our shoes and remember we don't get bonuses for leaving behind people even non-revs. Making friends with us and working with us is always good....

 

I've started writing down names and basic descriptions (discreetly) of the gate agents and Tray Stackers (TSA) at the airport I commute out of. That way I can greet them by name and it goes a long ways. Even the TSA folks have laid off. They are actually quite nice now. The gate agents really bust butt to get me on flights now. That's really a great help.

Just ask us. We(for the most part) won't snap at you. And those that do aren't worth trying anyway.

 

Where moody because of Capt's that dont care about the 85 people in waiting area that arent leaving do to company initated cancellation hate us and the capts make us leave rebooking them to go clean an airplane because that is benneth them helping us out after spending the whole day in the hotel.

 

Wow.. a 3 line sentence. That 'capt' that had been in the hotel all day, probably hasn't seen his family in 4 or 5 days. Maybe even 6 or 7 if he's a commuter at a regional. At least you (gate agents) get to go home to your family each night. Don't make spending 1/3 of ones life in hotels sound glamorous... it really isn't. Especially at some of the hotels they keep us in.

 

The Radisson is the best where Im and He was a mainline DC9 driver, that had been away from MSP for 12 hours and was done when he got back. I had been at the airport since 3am and this flight left 4 hours late at 840pm. so I had been dealing with ****ed off passengers for 19 hours since we cant leave until the last flight during a scheduled shift leaves.

 

I help clean airplanes now and then when I can or even just when I feel like it. It is not in my job description and not required in any way. Is it in your job description? If it is and you don't want to clean airplanes might I suggest a career as a pilot, they don't have to clean planes.

Life sucks, I know.

 

The pax were probably more upset about your lack of English speaking skills. Same goes for the Captain.

 

What???

What??