"please thank our pilot for getting us here safetly"
Jul 29, 2009, 10:03 am
#1
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: NYC (formerly BOS/DCA)
Programs: UA 1K, IC RA
Posts: 60,745
"please thank our pilot for getting us here safetly"
This is what the FA said after landing in BOS on a recent AUS-BOS flight, as reported by my parents. They thought the comment was out of line and a bit ridiculous. What other choice did the pilot have, after all? Should he really be thanked for doing his job?
Is this line B6 policy or just a FA adlibbing a bit?
Is this line B6 policy or just a FA adlibbing a bit?
Jul 29, 2009, 10:26 am
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Should is always relative, but given the opportunity (door open) I definitely shout "thanks" into the cockpit. I also thank my cab drivers and even the bus or subway guy if they're around. Being nice doesn't really hurt all that much.
As to whether it is policy, no.
As to whether it is policy, no.
Last edited by sbm12; Jul 29, 2009 at 11:06 am Reason: poorly timed typo
Jul 29, 2009, 10:31 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Finally back in Boston after escaping from New York
Posts: 13,644
Mike
Jul 29, 2009, 4:10 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: LAX
Programs: WN A-List
Posts: 1,020
Last Saturday the passengers broke out into applause when we touched down in ORD. The only explanation I could think of is some turbulence we experienced on decent. That and the high proportion of teenagers on board...
Jul 29, 2009, 10:33 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 377
Policy, no, but it never hurts. It may be peculiar to suggest that customers thank the pilot, but I wouldn't call it inappropriate or out of line. My mailman is paid to bring me my mail, but on the rare occasion that we cross paths, I say thanks. Everytime the waitress refills my glass, I thank her, even though it's her job.
Maybe it's culture, or a regional thing. I would never expect someone to thank me for doing my job, nor do I feel required to thank someone for doing theirs, but a little kindness never hurt.
Jul 30, 2009, 6:59 am
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: NYC (formerly BOS/DCA)
Programs: UA 1K, IC RA
Posts: 60,745
Heh, the applause cabins are always fun. I've been in one on every trip to Vegas--must be the atmosphere.
Policy, no, but it never hurts. It may be peculiar to suggest that customers thank the pilot, but I wouldn't call it inappropriate or out of line. My mailman is paid to bring me my mail, but on the rare occasion that we cross paths, I say thanks. Everytime the waitress refills my glass, I thank her, even though it's her job.
Maybe it's culture, or a regional thing. I would never expect someone to thank me for doing my job, nor do I feel required to thank someone for doing theirs, but a little kindness never hurt.
Policy, no, but it never hurts. It may be peculiar to suggest that customers thank the pilot, but I wouldn't call it inappropriate or out of line. My mailman is paid to bring me my mail, but on the rare occasion that we cross paths, I say thanks. Everytime the waitress refills my glass, I thank her, even though it's her job.
Maybe it's culture, or a regional thing. I would never expect someone to thank me for doing my job, nor do I feel required to thank someone for doing theirs, but a little kindness never hurt.
There's a difference between being polite and giving thanks on your own and being told to do so by the airline.
Jul 30, 2009, 12:21 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 377
Originally Posted by caphis
It may be peculiar to suggest that customers thank the pilot, but I wouldn't call it inappropriate or out of line.
Jul 31, 2009, 11:27 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: TX
Programs: DL DM/1MM, UA 1K, SPG Plat
Posts: 31
If it was flight 1264 on Wed 29 July (which I was on), I think the pilot(s) deserve the thanks. Check out the routing for yourself: http://flightaware.com/live/flight/J...703Z/KAUS/KBOS
It was a very bumpy flight and to your parents' point, he did a great job which meant that most people probably didn't notice the routing around the huge storm system and took the flight for granted. Probably were even annoyed that we arrived nine minutes late!
It was a very bumpy flight and to your parents' point, he did a great job which meant that most people probably didn't notice the routing around the huge storm system and took the flight for granted. Probably were even annoyed that we arrived nine minutes late!
Aug 3, 2009, 10:15 am
#13
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,624
Thread bumped because I had overlooked the fact that the prior post was awaiting mod review for the hyperlink. My apologies to nativeATL and forum readers.