How do you deal with people who think you make the big bucks?
11-07-2008, 02:02 PM
#31
Super Moderator
Joined APC: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,945
Originally Posted by nwa757
Speaking of all this, how is the ALPA vote coming along at Colgan?
11-07-2008, 06:49 PM
#32
Drinkin' coffee...
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: P-p-piiilatusss
Posts: 680
just don't take it personally...i had some guy on a bus tell me that being a pilot has to be easy b/c all you do is sit there and nothing ever dangerous really happens...he also assumed $300,000 a year...and that if you don't fly 747s you don't have a good career...
you'll find that as soon as you put on the costume and go to the airport people feel necessary to ask you really dumb questions...like commuting out of jfk today there was an hour delay...the lady turns to me and asks why the delay? the weather isn't bad here and it's not bad in boston...you can tell them all about the airway systems, its capacity, flow control, EDCT times, etc. etc. i just told i wasn't sure why but i was sure that she'd get there and that i wanted to get there more than anything she's ever wanted in her life...then chuck norris came out of the rest room and round house kicked her...
anyways...people don't know nor can they be expected to know...i don't know how much a fishing boat captain makes...or a train conductor...so i don't expect pax to know...
you'll find that as soon as you put on the costume and go to the airport people feel necessary to ask you really dumb questions...like commuting out of jfk today there was an hour delay...the lady turns to me and asks why the delay? the weather isn't bad here and it's not bad in boston...you can tell them all about the airway systems, its capacity, flow control, EDCT times, etc. etc. i just told i wasn't sure why but i was sure that she'd get there and that i wanted to get there more than anything she's ever wanted in her life...then chuck norris came out of the rest room and round house kicked her...
anyways...people don't know nor can they be expected to know...i don't know how much a fishing boat captain makes...or a train conductor...so i don't expect pax to know...
11-07-2008, 08:18 PM
#34
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Position: E-170
Posts: 842
when i was lga based with CHQ my crash pad was in east spanish harlem. i remember trying to explain to the bus driver why i "lived in the ghetto" as he put it. The public cant believe that we make as little as we do.
11-07-2008, 09:21 PM
#35
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Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,837
Originally Posted by FOblondie
I like to tell them that the only way I can afford my studio apartment is to have a second job as a waitress. That always shocks people.
The other day I had a flight attendant complain about how much she makes and that she never tips the van drivers because she can't afford it. She got all "woe is me" on me and started trying to guilt trip me because I make so much more than she does. It turns out the woman makes almost 50% more than I do. I don't think she quite understood the ridiculousness of the situation but at least now she knows.
The other day I had a flight attendant complain about how much she makes and that she never tips the van drivers because she can't afford it. She got all "woe is me" on me and started trying to guilt trip me because I make so much more than she does. It turns out the woman makes almost 50% more than I do. I don't think she quite understood the ridiculousness of the situation but at least now she knows.
USMCFLYR
11-07-2008, 09:24 PM
#36
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Joined APC: Jul 2008
Position: crj-200 FO
Posts: 479
Originally Posted by USMCFLYR
If you are talking about the van drivers that take you from the airport to the hotel on your overnights I would like to know what you are tipping them! I did that job 20 years ago and they tipped $0.50 and the pilots tipped $1. I have read on this board before that they are still tipping the same (20 YEARS LATER!) I missed my opportunity when I was flying on the last SWA flight in OKC two weeks back and had a chance to talk to one of the pilots after the flight. Come to find out they are back to staying at the same hotel again.
USMCFLYR
USMCFLYR
11-07-2008, 09:29 PM
#37
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Joined APC: Jun 2005
Position: Retired
Posts: 2,934
I tipped them a buck if they got my bags. If they didn't, no tip. If it was a trip to grab a six pack, or maybe to a restaurant out of the way that they weren't supposed to take us to, usually more like five dollars becuase that was still way cheaper than getting a cab and I appreciated them doing that stuff for us.
You figure that in most metro areas they're probably making around $10 an hour. If they have a hotel that a lot of crews stay at they're probalby putting another $30 or more in their pocket every day they work. Not bad.
Not a bad deal. Working at the FBO (again) taking a crew over to the hotel usually buys me lunch. Some captains have asked why I'm so damn insistient on tipping (I've been known to break a $20, then wait in the lobby for the driver to return) it's probably becuase I've been on both sides of the equation.
You figure that in most metro areas they're probably making around $10 an hour. If they have a hotel that a lot of crews stay at they're probalby putting another $30 or more in their pocket every day they work. Not bad.
Not a bad deal. Working at the FBO (again) taking a crew over to the hotel usually buys me lunch. Some captains have asked why I'm so damn insistient on tipping (I've been known to break a $20, then wait in the lobby for the driver to return) it's probably becuase I've been on both sides of the equation.
11-08-2008, 04:22 AM
#39
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,750
I've also basically been called a liar when people found out what I really make. "Captain on a jet and you make that little? C'mon, they're paying you guys on the side, then right? Like secret funds?" Secret funds? Riiiight.
Still, we do have some benefits that make it seem pretty nice.
Like the two times this year I flew to Europe for basically free (less than $150 out of pocket, total expenses) in sat in First class on a United 777 and the new Business Class on United. Not bad. The folks sitting next to make paid $5000+ for their seats.
And since I can stay in Europe for free with family I get these rather nice little vacations for a song.
So, no, we don't make much. But whining about it won't go far either when we have some nice benefits too.
Like the guy who talked about the secret funds. I met him on the slopes in Park City, Utah. Flew out there for free. Stayed in Salt Lake City free. Paid only for lift tickets.
Still, we do have some benefits that make it seem pretty nice.
Like the two times this year I flew to Europe for basically free (less than $150 out of pocket, total expenses) in sat in First class on a United 777 and the new Business Class on United. Not bad. The folks sitting next to make paid $5000+ for their seats.
And since I can stay in Europe for free with family I get these rather nice little vacations for a song.
So, no, we don't make much. But whining about it won't go far either when we have some nice benefits too.
Like the guy who talked about the secret funds. I met him on the slopes in Park City, Utah. Flew out there for free. Stayed in Salt Lake City free. Paid only for lift tickets.
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