A Untied Express CRJ with the BHM to ORD route on the morning of June 10 left behind 6 full fare paying passengers, baggage and perhaps frieght all because of a ridiculous decision of the Captain. I happen to know that this flight was dispatched with plenty of fuel to ORD, plus the alternate, plus required reserves, and even then some, but the Captain decided to put on 8,000 more lbs of fuel -- totally overkill and ridiculius. Ok, the weather in ORD wasn't great so put on a even a little more fuel if ya want, but the amount he wanted on was absurd and it cost his company money and goodwill. The flight easily could have taken all the pasengers and baggage and had PLENTY of fuel. These 6 people thought it was totally ridiculous to be told they couldn't get on because of a weight restriction. This did little to endear these people to UAL or RJs in general and the thing was, it was totally unnecessary because this Captain was so frightened and unsure of his abilities. I overheard some of the people denied boarding say that would take a SWA 737 to/from MDW from now on.
This "Captain" if you want to call him that, should be called on the carpet to explain himself to his Chief Pilot.
This "Captain" if you want to call him that, should be called on the carpet to explain himself to his Chief Pilot.
