Oh and I suppose none of that is encompassed with, what did you say, customer service. Contrary to what you're blathering about, or rather blithering, customer service changes as you indicate all other things being equal, should most definitely begin with agents and persons dealing directly with passengers. I'm sure every passenger loves arriving to the gate looking for a seat assignment only to get told to kick rocks until zone two is boarding. Way to go agents. New York and Atlanta are the meanest I've seen. Then Detroit. So if you're so concerned with customer service, then yes, ticket and gate agents all the way. Pilots are the effing last place to focus on customer experience. FFS man. Whoever is in charge of customer experience should be fired.

I'll keep going. Once onboard, it's the FAs whom deal directly with them, right? Duhhh. Ok. Pay them more so they are motivated to be kind and contribute to the customer experience. That's how you improve "customer service." And by the way, our FAs are told to read their announcements out of a book. That's real customer servicy. Perhaps they should give us a script to stand there and read as well. Like mad libs or something.

It's like arguing with children. I'm only advocating for better customer service verses our competitors. What bothers me arsvthe ones who don't think that applies to them. I'll ask again, what would you want if this was your airline. And how would you deal with some of the attitudes against trying to make your airline better?

Whether blithering or blathering, of which I am neither. Realize everyone has a part in the customer experience. And to point fingers at others for their lack of customer service as to a reason why I'm not going to try and provide a better experience from the flight deck is ridiculous. Well he or she did it first. Ffs, that's the crap I heard in kindergarten

I give a stand up announcement about 3 out of 4 flights and push at D0, even with 25 minuet turns. This is not a big deal or a problem, not sure why you want to make it one.

Exactly, it's arguments like that that gives Delta even more ammunition against a flow.

I don't think there will be too much of that sentiment amongst the cadre of experienced pilots here. Maybe the new generation. Who's to say.

Every leg this trip has had a cabin PA. Every leg this trip has blocked out and arrived early, minus two (FA was late to show, so beyond our control).

Do the passengers care? Those that do, do. Those that don't, they phone or book or ipad, whatever they want. But some pay attention and notice. And yeah, it makes a difference. Especially to those that are new to flying. It brings a personal touch to the flight, vs. a voice "behind the curtain".

Those that whine about doing it, will whine. Who cares? Those are probably the same ones whining about wearing hats. Some wish to do a better job, some show up and do the minimum. To each their own.

Exactly. It's the same group of maybe 10 crusty farts on this thread constantly complaining. Just a whole bunch of me me me me attitude. No one will ever convince them to go above and beyond the absolute bare minimum, so why bother? Can't teach an old disgruntled dog new tricks. Just have to wait until Ole Yeller gets taken out back. Like you said, those that take pride in what they do will make the announcement, try to provide a better experience to the customer(who pays our salary), and won't complain about it. 30 seconds of your time in the galley isn't a safety issue. There's a reason the guys that are still around complaining, are the guys that are still around complaining.

I actually read what the customers say they want, you can too, right here. Delta Air Lines | SkyMiles - FlyerTalk Forums