Captains waiting for all PAX to exit!
 

Anyone take issue with captains who insist on staying until all passengers exit on the last flight of the day? Even on an 11 hour overnight?

Captains waiting for all PAX to exit!
 

That used to be the norm


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The norm for who?

No. If saying goodbye to the people who pay our bills is important to him/her, then good on em!

Pilots are funny sometimes. You’re not “cool” unless you do the bare minimum to safely operate the jet.

Captains waiting for all PAX to exit!
 

Exactly. And not just that, there was a time when the aircraft wouldn’t be boarded without a Pilot. In rare cases, they’d have a mechanic occupying the flight deck until the Pilots showed.


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Cool or uncool really never entered my mind. After I’ve done my job and safely got our passengers to their destination I want to get to the overnight.

I have zero problem with this. Actually, I think it’s a classy move to say goodbye to everyone. They’re our customers after all.

This is so true...feels like I'm in highschool again sometimes. It's pathetic.

Husker:

If you think the only thing they pay you for is flying 25 visual approaches a month, then you are sadly mistaken. They pay you because Pilots are perhaps the last unionized work force who retain the public’s respect. The country has done a damned good job of destroying the image of labor, especially unionized labor. Anything we do to keep the public’s trust is employment insurance. If we ever loose the public’s trust and admiration, we are in trouble


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That extra twelve minutes at the hotel isn't going to make any significant difference at all in the life of an FO who might be in a hurry.

It makes a huge difference in the lives of the cabin crew, who have been told that we're a team. If the Captain briefs teamwork and then bails on his red-headed step children the moment they can climb over deplaning first class passengers, what signal does that send?

It makes a huge difference in the comfort level of that passenger who got stuck with seat 29B, who doesn't want to hear the APU spooling down and the heat descending on her before she even gets her emails pulled up.

It makes a difference in the customer service experience of every single passenger who gets to see a pilot standing there thanking them for their business and their trust and asking them to come back.

I can sincerely empathize with any FO who might be frustrated they are held hostage to their flying partner's whims, but this one is really important to both of us and I'm going to insist on it. When you upgrade, then it will be your decision.

I will say this: the more you make this job all about your wants or needs, the more you and the people around you are going to suffer.

You must be talking about a different airline than United.

Thanks for the thoughtful replies. Gives me something additional to consider.

F’ that. If it’s the last leg and you’re going home or if it’s after leg one of two, knock yourself out. If it’s on a layover, not a chance as your cutting into my hotel time.

Nobody gives a sheet if the Pilot stayed behind and saluted everyone in full uniform.

This^^^
Thank you.

It’s simple. Catch the van. “See you tomorrow at the gate.” No need to make a big deal about it.

You're welcome. Ask these guys about it. I can't speak for anybody else, but I'm always happy to articulate my decision making process. I'm accountable to you too, after all. I honestly never even considered staying behind until I flew with this really great Captain - zero ego - who insisted on that simple act. It was one of those "aha" moments.

I can tell you from my experience, the customers actually appreciate that face to face. I've got hugs and tears and fist bumps and even angry *****ing and nasty remarks. And once even jet bridge O2/AED.

I’d tell the captain to move aside so I can get out... not his/her call how long you stay after landing.

^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^

Well said, thank you.

On the contrary. The shuttle doesn’t leave until the captain is there too.

Give the tired pax someone to thank, high five, snark, or just smile at as they leave. You got them there safely. They deserve to see the jet boss on their way out. Then walk off into the night successful.

I never mind thanking the sponsors who make my paycheck possible.

I haven't been an airline pilot very long, but my experience is 180 degrees opposite of your statement.

Also... doesn't our duty window include 15 minutes past block in?

Possibly. But Uber will.

Good on you. When and if you make captain, I’m sure your airlinel be proud to present you as their poster boy:rolleyes:.

Absolutely positively disagree. If you want to go to the hotel before the Captain gets there because he/she wants to engage in some customer service, you’d best be calling a cab for yourself.

Exactly what I was talking about.

“Take a cab, give me the receipt in the morning and I will pay you.”

Expense cab.

I love being on an overnight with crew members like you.
Lets party. After I get there, from doing my job.

Hey, if you’re buying beers you’ve got my attention..... and servitude.

It is called "Class" some have it, some don't.

They buy our groceries. Say goodbye. It’s not hard.

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.