jetlink

During my commutes, while in uniform, a "frequent" flyer asks me a questions from time to time: "how do I get un upgrade nowadays, it seems impossible to get into first class on United after merger".
My reply is quite simple; "Sir, if you want an assurance that you'll get a first class, here's a secret - purchase a first class ticket, it always works!"

LAX Pilot

Lots of people trying to game the system.

Night Hawk 6

There will always be those who are never satisfied just as there are those who never find fault with anything. Intentionally trying to sabotage the operation is just like ****ing into the ocean and does nothing except to cause the perpetrator to feel better about himself as he wallows in his misery. These few folks are not as dangerous to the profession or the operation as the aforementioned Pollyanna's who will push to the max, doing whatever it takes to complete the mission. History has shown over and over again it is these "company" men whose desires to keep going have actually resulted in their demise along with their passengers. Remember AA Little Rock? Just one example of a company Pollyanna, and I am certain that there are numerous other examples. While we all do the same work we are all still individuals with our own point of view in a profession that is void of any real leadership.

NFLUALNFL

Good post, couldn't agree more. While it might be more frustrating to watch and/or work with the "Angry Man" who might push onto A in SFO without an MRD effectively closing 1/3 of the airport. In my opinion, the Marvin who constantly removes fuel covertly and lands at a distant divert field with 2.5 in an A320 is a far greater threat to our collective futures.

Toddnel

Trust me you will find that most sCAL captains are shocked at how light the dispatchers are trying to run our fuel post merger. On the 777 I can't remember a time where we haven't added at least 2,000 lbs to the release. What I'm talking about are the folks who deliberately try to ground aircraft in HGK or PEK for silly things unrelated to safety.

NFLUALNFL

Understood. I'm just saying that the folks who look for (& usually find) those silly things aren't nearly as dangerous as those types who are trying to save the company single handedly; 800# at a time.

SpecialTracking

Not sure I'm following you on this one.

Toddnel

True, in my defense I have never come across one at CAL. They will do other stupid things to 'save' the company but even the scabs add gas.

LAX Pilot

Best fuel briefing I was ever involved in as a pilot. I was the S/O on a 727.

Capt: "I'm adding 2,000 pounds of fuel. Does anyone have any questions?"

F/O: (Who was also a PI and trying to save the company money) "Are you aware that by adding that much gas you are actually going to increase your fuel burn by 500 pounds"?

Capt: "You are right. I'll change it to 2,500 pounds"

APC225

There's a captain who regularly asked for less fuel than the flight plan called for and got it. FOs objected in various ways (face to face, pro stan, avoid fly with) and captain was counseled by CP. He learned his lesson--he contacted dispatch to lighten fuel load before the flight plan was generated so the FOs wouldn't know that he had asked for less fuel. FOs eventually caught on to this as well and after a divert it may have stopped. It takes all sorts.