Perhaps most pathetic reason for a delay I've seen - June 6 DL 2440 SEA-MSP redeye
#31
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,864
Both. I have no idea % wise, but from pilots who I am friends with (they fly for other carriers), met, had that shared where they were coming from, etc., I know quite a few live over in Eastern WA, over on the peninsula, or even down in Oregon and drive to SEA. Like any base, I am sure there are quite few who live a long ways away and fly in as well.
#32
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: DL DM; Hyatt Globalist; etc
Posts: 540
I had a SFO-JFK flight a few months ago turn a 3.5 hour delay into a 7 hour delay because some necessary crew had arrived at the TSA checkpoint after it was closed (which is 12:30 in T1 I think?) and we had to sit on the ground for 2-3 hours until it would open up again.
I was furious at the time, but now it's kind of funny. Luckily I was in D1 and used it as an opportunity to get some sleep, but I can't imagine how mad I would have been if I'd have been in Y.
#33
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: UK, Peak District near MAN
Programs: BA- blue, BD,DL
Posts: 2,027
I sincerely hope that Delta treats their pilots a lot better than that. We are all human and will make trivial errors now and again. Flight crews hopefully work in an environment where owning up to your mistakes is encouraged - this is one of the reasons why flight safety has improved. If the pilot is fearful of losing his job over a small mistake its hardly creating an environment for calm decision making.
#34
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: ATL
Programs: A few
Posts: 133
I sincerely hope that Delta treats their pilots a lot better than that. We are all human and will make trivial errors now and again. Flight crews hopefully work in an environment where owning up to your mistakes is encouraged - this is one of the reasons why flight safety has improved. If the pilot is fearful of losing his job over a small mistake its hardly creating an environment for calm decision making.
When timeliness and accuracy are rudimentary functions of one's job, it's a bit hard to overlook. No one is perfect, nor am I expecting that of anyone, but certain job functions do hold a higher level of expectation.