I am UsEast, and have flown FCFS on West as well. I see at Least two more glaring problems. While trying to get out of PHX I could list myself on various US East flights to try and come east, but on US West I could only list myself on one flight at a time, I guess you can't be FCFS at more than one flight at a time. Also, What happens to those that are flying (WORKING) European flights, or Red Eyes, and haven't access to computers or phone lines so they CAN list themselves, FCFS, for their return flights home? As it stands now, seniority allows people to list on a flight home before they even leave the States. I am sorry but I think that is a huge discrepency in the FCFS policy, It doesn't allow for a level playing field like it says it does.
Just a couple more thoughts.
Give me a break. I can use the same sort of arguments against seniority. What if I list for a PHX-PHL flight with a connection in PHL to anywhere...and I get on in Phoenix and it looks good for me to get to that wonderful European destination, too. But, while I'm in the air, a bunch of former Easties, with more seniority, decide they want to have dinner in Paris, or wherever. I'm screwed.
There is no 1 best way and it has nothing to do with cost -- it has to do with what we're used to and perceived un-fairness. Former easties have put in a lot of years and have stayed loyal through a lot of cr*p and therefore, they feel they deserve seniority. Former westies feel like they saved the east's collective a$$, and therefore don't deserve to go to the bottom of the list.
There is no right way, and there is no wrong way and whatever way is used there's going to be a lot of upset people. Which isn't good for anyone...employees or customers.
Hey, does anyone know for sure, is Delta non-revving by seniority??? If so, then AWA people that have been through thick and thin and held firm and loyal are really going to get the short end of the stick...
AND Segment King:
"But last weekend I was in St. John with some friends, had NO internet, no computer, and there were 20 NRSA's on my STT-PHL flight....
so with the current policies, I should only go on vacations to places with Internet now?!?!"
Chances are those other 20 non-revs didn't have internet access either -- if so, then you need to become friends with their friends!
😉
Also, one way around this is to call someone with internet access and have them check you in (most cell phones work in the Caribbean, now, and even if there's a charge, it's a small price to pay to get at or near the top of the list) Sure, it's a pain and you'll have to step someone through the on-line check-in process if they don't work for LCC. If it's a good friend, I've even offered a buddy-pass in trade if they're not an employee...