"9) Recognize the Gordon and the rest of CO management ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS! Be skeptical about the weekly voice mails, etc. Most (but not all IMO) of what Gordo tells you about how great CO is from all its competitors is bunk. CO is NOT the best airline in the history of humanity. All in all, not bad, but not nearly what Gordon would have you believe."

Yea, that would be great. A weekly voice mail telling all emmployees how below average they are and that they work for a mediocre airline. What a motivator! Your personal opinion of Gordon notwithstanding, a good leader never lets an opportunity to praise employees, their work or the company they work for go by. Gordon is pretty free with his praise for all of CALs employees and I don't think they are empty words. Prada is exhibiting just the kind of go get 'em spirit that is valued by Gordon and the management team. As to inflight experiences, I would echo the sentiment about hiding out in the galley during the flight--please don't.



[This message has been edited by Houston_TX1234 (edited 01-27-2003).]

What am I? Chopped Liver? My suggestion not worth noting?

- HF

I have absolutely NO problem with not getting a drink if the flight's delayed, but I've had occasions where I've sat in FC for 20-30 minutes prior to push-back while the crew gabs in the front galley (usually griping about work) rather than taking coats and serving drinks. THAT is annoying. :-)

It's not just the folks from steerage crowding the gates. Normally the GA calls for people with children and those needing extra time or assistance in boarding, then the FC/elite pax. Last week in BUF I was standing back a bit as I saw at least 3 families traveling with infants ranging in age from a couple months to a year or so, and wanted to give them plenty of room. The GA calls for them, and immediately what appears to be the ENTIRE first class cabin jumps up and heads for the gate. I reluctantly got in line at the end, and these poor families were boarding with the rest of coach when their rows were called.... sometimes the FC cabin thinks they're the only ones on board...

Thank you for asking Prada.

Chatting in the galley (especially on transcons and int'l) is my only real complaint.

If you ever run into CO management, thank them for turning around your airline so that you even have a job. From what I have heard, CO could cut many more FA's without any problem but has not since immediately following 9/11 (unlike almost EVERY OTHER network carrier who has had multiple cuts). I would guess that they would have to make a cut sooner or later, but it seems that they dont want to unless they absolutely have to and that is admirable. Also...I wouldnt listen to all these guys who want to trash CO mgt. Remember that a significant percentage of these posters on FT don't think you deserve to fly non-rev and if they were your boss would have taken that benefit from you long ago.


A completely unneeded low blow by Randy's favorite FTer??? A bit harsh I would say. I nearly fell out of my chair b/c you didnt find a way to insult CO in the post! Congrats NJ. JeremyZ, nevermind David's antics. You have posted more original, well thought out messages in the past month than David has in the past year.

Ever tried using an eye shade? Works just fine for me!

Yes I have, but I don't like them usually. I have a big head (I know I am setting myself up!) and the strap digs into my head and it starts to hurt after awhile.

- HF

Hoboken -
didn't mean to neglect you. I usually turn down the lights on night flights - can't stand an illuminated cabin. But I've never thought to ask pax to lower the window shade - unless a movie is playing. But I'll remeber that next time I'm doing a red eye (I usually try to avoid those at all cost)

I must also have a big head, because eye mask are so uncomfortable. They need to be really tight around your head, in order to prevent any light from coming in or slipping off.

Oh, has the Earth been overrun by dwarves?!?! I must have missed the memo.

Okay - that was funny. But, seriously, a 31" pitch on CO = 31" pitch on DL or NW or UA. If there was any real physical risk from the plane seat on a three hour flight, we'd have thousands of lawsuits against all the airlines.

I was responding to someone's idea that "no human should be allowed to endure [a CO coach seat] for three hours." Point is, that airline coach seats may be small, but certainly w/in the physical tolerances of the vast majority of travelers. However, if there's the rare exception that can't fit in the coach seat without damaging himself, it may be wise to consider another form of transport that doesn't have a 31" pitch.

Prada, kudos for asking such a question. Since you did ask, two things spring to mind:

[rant]

1) Incessant announcements on redeyes. I'm tired, I want to fall asleep, and I couldn't care less where the cabin crew's based, nor what their names are, nor the local time at destination, nor whether or what the wretched movie will be, nor what a wonderful opportunity to earn practically worthless OP miles this is.

I understand that certain announcements have to be made, but please keep it to an absolute minimum....and not at maximum volume, either. I can still hear it distinctly through earplugs.

In a similar vein, I wish there were a way to mute the idiot pilot who insists on giving us the flight crew's names, their personal histories, our cruising altitude, and which fascinating landmarks we will overfly in the dark.

Ditch the useless blather; just let us sleep. And, yes, I understand there's more than a touch of sadism involved.

2. If at all possible, give Y pax a chance to go to the lavatories before beginning cart service. Before anyone helpfully suggests going before boarding, spare me. Delayed inbound flights, extremely short connections, and the need to stay hydrated to avoid illness often conspire to make such stops impossible.

[/rant]

Thanks for the feedback opportunity!

Pain doesn't always equal physical risk, but that doesn't make it any more pleasant.

I manage by avoiding CRJs like the plague and requesting bulkheads or aisles on mainline. On ERJs I always try for an A seat, where I can pop the armrest and stretch out into the aisleway.

Regarding pre-departure, I've heard comments from the non-elite FA's that they aren't on the clock till the door shuts; so we should be happy they let us board. But most of the time I do get Pre-departures, but more often on NW, than on CO lately. I understand the reason when the ship is catered late etc, or it's a quick turn. But when the FA's are busy standing there, doing nothing, except poorly reading the boarding announcements, no children this row etc, its annoying.

I also echo the video system comment. I have "saved the day" many times on transcon flights when Shaniqua can't figure out how to run the video system. I've thought of posting instructions for all elite's to see in case you get stuck with screens down and no video. Or an airshow showing you are still over IAH with 2:35 to go, when you are landing in PHX.

I encourage all flyers to call We could care sometimes, and report the bad, AND THE GOOD FA's. I always make a note in my PDA with the names, and how well they perform. Sometimes, We care 2 people are suprised I'm taking the time to call and say everything was fine, including _____.

Not sure if it's helping, but I figure it's better than just complaining.

Go for it! I myself would like to know...do they apply to ALL video systems on all planes or just certain ones. I have had many instances where the video system didn't work; so if you could tell us what you know that would be great!

Also, I would say the FA's/crew have to know how to turn on and operate the EMPOWER ports on the 777s/767s; especially BEFORE takeoff. Half of the flights I have been on the green lights were off and they couldn't turn them on. If someone from maintenance knows how to fix them before takeoff that would be appreciated.

- HF

Since you fly out of EWR, if you were on the MCO run (two flights a week for me) for any length of time in the FC cabin over the past one and a half years, I would like to say "Thank you" for the great service. I know your service was great because the service has been great each and every time, with only ONE exception during this entire time (and based on the law of averages, I am presuming that that was not you)....THANK YOU.