I've had some bad experiences in the past but this week absolutely takes the cake. Went to pick my grandma up in detroit and watched
her pinnacle flight sit at the top of the J line for fifty (5-0) mins waiting for rampers. I have never in my life seen that. Then in another incident I was trying to jumpseat out east. I showed up at the gate 1.5 hours before departure repeatedly asking the agent to list me. 15 mins before she says she won't have time. I persist saying I've been standing there all this time. She calls ops and says sorry they can't take a jump seater. I had a long talk with the captain earlier and he said no problems or weight restrictions. She wouldn't let me back down to talk to him and shut the door in my face. I go to the next flight. Honestly the same exact thing happens. This time I go to another gate where the agent isn't busy and her to list me. She does then I go back to the gate and tell her I'm listed so whenever she gets time ill be here. She calls ops and even though there is 20 plus open seats, she can't take a jump seater. Door in the face and wouldn't let me talk to the captain again , even though he told me before it would be no problem. Do you guys really not question where a jump seater is especially when he meets you at the gate? I've been jump seating for many years and have never been treated this badly not even by mesa or go jet. I'm truly embarrassed for you guys. Wow.

 

get ready for some intense verbal fightin in 3...2...1...

 

In regards to the jumpseat, are you actually jumpseating or non-reving? If you're a non-rev isn't YOUR responsibility to list? I'm not sure, but the story sounds a little fishy. Maybe we're only getting one side. Also, waiting for a gate is not their fault. It's been happening over on the mainline side too. I too would bang in sick if I had to work the ramp in the recent cold.

 

Do you think that the pilot's caused your problem? I used to work at Pinnacle and that was normal for DTW, lousy yes, but that's what happens when the competitor provides your ramp services. No offense to anyone at Mesaba, it's not your guys fault, who wouldn't take care of their own company first?

As far as jump seating was it a Pinnacle station agent or NWA? Try taking the problem to your jump seat committee instead of posting on a message board. Things don't get fixed unless you take them to the right people.

 

Sorry to hear about that, what can i say? I always try to get as many non-revs and JS on as possible, so ill come up to the counter after everyone is on, time permitting, and make sure everyone has a seat, but it seems as if things are more rushed in the winter, I guess preventing and covering up all other delays...Speaking of pinnacle, whats with the christmas lights? I can can't on two hands how many christmas lights i've seen lit up in the doorway, nice touch, wish I could do that here!

 

Title and every reference should be replacing Pinnacle with Mesaba. Mesaba does ALL Pinnacle ground handling (ramp and gate etc) in DTW and MSP. Only MEM hub has Pinnacle ground crews. NWA insists on letting Mesaba handle our ground services. Seems kinda like a Ford dealer being asked to sell a Chevy...

 

I don't think it an issue as much about what company does the ground ops than it is the quality of applicants who apply. I think every regional has a DTW. The service in MSP is a lot better. For the guys who fly the Airways routes i hear PHL is the same.

 

I don't understand why Mesaba ground has to be different from NWA ground? maybe it has to do with the ungodly hike to the A gates in MSP?

 

I am sorry you have had those problems.

The ramp wait isn't a Pinnacle problem, it's ours.
Unfortunately, the DTW work ethic isn't what we would hope for. And even though we are Mesaba, we wait for the rampers too.

I find your gate problems disturbing because they are Mesaba too, I think. I have never had those problems, but I certainly believe you.

Now, there may be a problem when it comes to our gate people trying to communicate with the 9e dispatch or load control and our gate people just don't want to deal with it anymore. It shouldn't happen.
Contact your Union jumpseat Rep. He will call the 9e Rep and try to work it out. I have seen 9e pilots call the NWA Jumpseat Rep pretty late at night when there were uncooperative gate people.

If you would like you could pm me the details and I will contact the Mesaba Jumpseat Rep. It's an internal problem, we should be involved.

Again I am sorry. With all the industry in the crapper we need to do a better job looking out for each other.

 

Captains,
Please take the time to make sure there are no non-revs / js in the boarding area. I try to go out on every flight and find out if there are. Usually on my flights, if there is plenty of room, I like to board them ahead if I can. Professionial courtesy. I know how much I hate sitting in the boarding area wondering.

As well, if someone has approached you, it's only common sense to make sure they made it on. I know things get busy, but I've never had an instance where I couldn't take two minutes to walk up the jetway to make sure we weren't leaving anyone behind. I always check the windows tomake sure someone isn't trying to flag me down. Numerous times I've had the door closed and someone ran up. Jetway was pulled and I still brought them on. ACARS you wonder, at least with us, once we register a push time, it sticks. If we open the door, it asks wether we have returned to the gate. I hit no and go on with my life. I've never ONCE been questioned by my company.

It's the holiday time guys and gals, let's help our fellow crew members out. We should be doing this year around, although right now it is more important than ever. With the changes in schedules, work rules and concessions we take, don't overlook the one benefit that is for us and could be the most important benefit we have.

Take the time, it's everyone's responsibility.

Thanks to all.
Whiskey