nycbusdriver said:A lot has been talked about regarding who closes what and what needs to be closed when. That's all fine and good. But as long as the parking brake and start levers are in the cockpit, the flight really gets closed when the captain is satisfied that the flight is ready to proceed. Had I been captain of the BOS flight this pilot was attempting to board, we would have taken a crew delay for me to meet face-to-face with the shift manager and make company policy known, in "no uncertain terms" on the jetway away from passenger ears.
I will not get into a heated debate over a previously negotiated contractual agreement with all due respect. I must say that if I were the shift manager you were going to address, I would have let you know that the gate agent is under no obligation to accomodate any pilots travelling on leisure who fail to present themselves in a timely manner to the gate, regardless of riding as a non-rev or in the jumpseat. There is additional time required in processing a jumpseat rider to reflect his presence onboard the aircraft. I, for one, would not recommend anyone getting on any aircraft at any time without being on the flight manifest. If there would be an accident, the insurance companies would have serious issues settling any outstanding claims on behalf of the "ghostrider". In conclusion we are in the business of caring for our paying customers and giving them the highest priority in our day-to-day business. I am not saying that internal customers should be cast aside, but we must keep on track as to who pays the freight. I respectfully understand your position, but, in my eyes the customer wins!
I will not get into a heated debate over a previously negotiated contractual agreement with all due respect. I must say that if I were the shift manager you were going to address, I would have let you know that the gate agent is under no obligation to accomodate any pilots travelling on leisure who fail to present themselves in a timely manner to the gate, regardless of riding as a non-rev or in the jumpseat. There is additional time required in processing a jumpseat rider to reflect his presence onboard the aircraft. I, for one, would not recommend anyone getting on any aircraft at any time without being on the flight manifest. If there would be an accident, the insurance companies would have serious issues settling any outstanding claims on behalf of the "ghostrider". In conclusion we are in the business of caring for our paying customers and giving them the highest priority in our day-to-day business. I am not saying that internal customers should be cast aside, but we must keep on track as to who pays the freight. I respectfully understand your position, but, in my eyes the customer wins!
May have heard it and forgotten. Comes from so many years in this business. Share it please. Oh, by the way, I wasn't trying to be funny...just giving the facts man. Just giving the facts. Don't believe me? Take a pole (they are popular on this site! lol) 
