I’ve been here 20 years. In the first four (almost five; I was furloughed), the norm was everyone stayed and said goodbye. Hell, on the 727 in Chicago, we played the “so long/good bye” game....it was about looking for hotties as they deplaned. The loser had to buy the first round!! (TOU prevents me from publishing details here). :D

Silly games aside, FAs appreciated it, and so did the pax.

Exception: a quick turn to a plane at another gate.

Today: I fly international, 3-man crew usually, and at most stations, the FAs ride in the same bus as us to the hotel.

So I find it odd that guys will be in a hurry to get off the plane....when we still have to wait for the cabin crew and the gendec.

On the return leg: I commute, and often have to sit for an hour or two until my flight. Some guys stay, most don’t. I do...why not?

I say goodbye for the pax. Some could care less, but you can tell some really appreciate it.

The saddest part for me is the surprise from the FAs...that a pilot actually stayed.

That means what I once took for granted has fallen largely by the wayside.

Guys will complain our service doesn’t match other carriers. Lead by example.

I will sometimes tell the passengers I’m required to check the jetway to make sure its safe for them to walk on.

Typical Millennial-Style, self-serving thinking. Nothing wrong with saying goodbye to the pax.

As we all know, no pilot I've ever met is willing to hold a guy hostage when it's "cut and run" time at the end of the trip to catch a commute. We all get that. The rest of the trip, say goodbye to the pax.

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I'm a millennial, and hate to say that many in my generation did not work part time jobs as students, leading to a severe deficiency in customer service skills

If only. Been here for over 3 decades and hate to burst bubbles but nobody cares if your goofy ass is up there after the flights over. Layovers started and let’s go. Thank goodness I never had to fly with some of you guys back when I was an F/O.

Pay meter stopped at block-in and in the cockpits I occupy, the first one out the door doesn’t pay for beers, (always let the F/O beat me so it’s on me). Every once in a while I’ll fly with Mr. Customer service who hands out cards to 1st class pax and try’s to say goodbye to all, blocking my egress. Doesn’t last but 1 leg as I patiently explain that I’m off the clock and the van awaituth.

You think no one cares because you're not there to find out. I've experienced the exact opposite. Pax appreciate it as do the flight attendants. Several times the FAs have been hung out to dry (wheel chair, other issues) and having someone else to help or call in for help makes their job a lot easier and it's appreciated it.



If it's the last leg and commute time, no worries get out of here. If we are between legs and the FO wants to split to go do whatever, no worries, get out of here. If it's the last leg to the overnight, split but I'm going to hang to make sure everyone gets off and the FAs are all set. About the only time I don't do it is if we are running late and are swapping a/c.



You do as you wish, though. I don't look at your face in my mirror every morning.

Actually I take issue with pilots who don’t stay until the end, or near end, of deplaning. Seems to be a lot more commuters and min rest layovers these days. *sarcasm*

It’s amazing the onboard service you get when you don’t ditch your crew at the first avail opportunity. It pays to show a little solidarity...or just be a decent human being.

I say goodbye every chance I get, unless I’m occupied with work duty or it’s my last commute. Couldn’t care less if the CA or FO wants to bail early. Both pilots share a van to the layover and leaving your own behind will not prevail in any union or CPO.

Where is this concern for pax and flight attendants prior to departure? We slow cook the pax in 90° cabins. I've heard in some cases due to prior termination procedures, the PA system doesn't work with pax onboard until the pilots arrive. It seems the flight attendants need more assistance prior to departure than after arrival.

For those who are Maître d'hôtel inclined, wouldn't you want to complete your preflight duties in time to stand at the door during boarding process? You're setting the tone for a happy CORE 4 flight answering questions and comforting our guests.

Maybe the hour report should be reinstated. How DO we look at ourselves in the mirror? Shameful I say.

It’s certainly something you should want to do. People can spot disingenuousness pretty easily. I do it occasionally and most times folks will smile and say “nice flight” So I guess I get something out of it too. It’s a noble thing to do and I don’t mind if my co-pilot wants to to do it. If it weren’t for our pax we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.


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Exactly!!

I work here..and Im also a customer. spent 6k last year..and we suck at customer service. I guess if the pilots don't give a sh## why should the FAs.