Just a quick heads up...
 

I just got word that ATL,NYC,MSP and DTW are running low on reserve FAs and SLC is completely out of reserves.

They're working like mad to cover trips this weekend. This could possibly impact flights this weekend.

So early in the month? This could be bad for the rest of the summer. Or is the problem that weather IROPs have caused lots and lots of crew members to go illegal, so that reserves have been used at a huge and unanticipated rate so far in June?

My guess is it's the weather IROPS this week. Things have been a mess all over the east coast. Last night a ton of flights in ATL were being shifted to alternative crews of being delayed to 6am departures based on crew hours. It was a mess and DL was certainly trying their best to address it but the storms were bad.

Not this week, but last Friday night when there was also some strange weather. Flying ATL-DCA on the 830 pm scheduled flight -- the 730 pm flight didn't leave until about 825 and the 830 flight departed about 900 pm. We were waiting on a plane that was brought over from the hangars. The captain announced that he and the FO had been called in from their dinners and that the 3 flight attendants were all HNL based and drafted for the flight -- Im guessing they got assigned to fly up and back the next morning.

I do believe weather had much to do with the problems. As one poster mentioned, HNL FAs were covering the east coast. There are also NYC FAs covering west coast flying.

FAs are being rerouted on their trips.

NYC just received I believe 400 new hire FAs, I could be a bit off on that number. But I guess Delta plans on hiring an additional 1400 FAs.

Both NYC and ATL have been running low on reserve FAs for a good portion of the year so far with other bases covering their trips.

This is where the flexibility and service with a smile comes into play for irops for the new hires. We'll see how they manage. :)

If the new hires aren't able and willing to cope with IROPs, perhaps it's better that DL learn this immediately.

No sooner than you said that, I was just told that some of the new hires are quitting. They can't take it.

It's not unusual for dom flights to go out minimum staff, but now international are going out short crewed too.

I guess there was a 5 hour delay last night, no crew. Even the Pilots are getting rerouted.

Line holders are being flown into their days off. Some are coming in on red eyes, have their minimum rest and are being called to go right back out.

I'm going to be selfish here, but glad "RETIREMENT IS A REALITY!" :cool:

Actually, let me take that back. Since my license has expired, I'd have to go in for requals. I'd fly again for a few weeks as I'm sure other retirees would too. Just to get them over the "hump". I do miss flying sometimes.

^^^

Given the apparent cause for the current issue, anxiously awaiting your proposed solution.

Bad WX never happens, so if airlines are not prepared for it, it is the weather's fault...

I was under the impression that all domestic flights were only staffed to FAA standards of one f/a per 50 seats. I can understand overstating internationally but there is no significant cabin service on domestic flights. So what would the reason be for ever overstaffing the flight domestically?

Forgive the OT... but I recall seeing a tag on a plane (in the coat closet, of all places) stating something to the effect "Minimum legal staffing: 3 flight attendants."

Do all planes have a posting such as this displayed somewhere?

What are the work hour restrictions for an FA?

Not sure about onboard, but the crew rosters do :D@:-) I remember when I pulled them for the SLC-CDG flight it said in the corner that at least 5 crewmembers were required to board the 767.

-J.